Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. KATHUA: The Agriculture Production Department Kathua today organised the "Khet Bachao Abhiyan" awareness campaign to promote sustainable agricultural practices, protect soil health, enhance farm productivity and encourage the judicious use of agricultural inputs among the farming community.
Secretary Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare Department J&K Nitu Gupta inaugurated the programme as Chief Guest in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma. The event saw participation from officers of Agriculture and allied departments, scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), progressive farmers and other stakeholders.
Addressing the gathering, the Secretary underscored the importance of protecting agricultural lands and preserving soil fertility for future generations. She stressed the need to adopt scientific, climate-resilient and resource-efficient farming practices and urged farmers to actively participate in government initiatives aimed at improving agricultural productivity and sustainability. She also highlighted the government's commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture through farmer-centric policies.
The Deputy Commissioner emphasised the collective responsibility of all stakeholders towards conservation of natural resources, sustainable agricultural development and long-term food security. He called upon farmers to make optimum use of departmental schemes, scientific advancements and modern technologies to enhance productivity, improve farm incomes and promote environmentally sustainable farming.
During the technical session, KVK Kathua Head Dr Vishal Mahajan highlighted the role of scientific interventions and innovative technologies in improving farm productivity and profitability. He stressed the importance of integrated crop management, efficient resource utilisation and climate-smart agriculture in addressing emerging challenges in the sector.
Joint Director Soil and Land Use Survey and Planning (SLUB) Jammu Aman Jyoti elaborated on the objectives and significance of the "Khet Bachao Abhiyan" and called for coordinated efforts by all stakeholders to safeguard soil health and strengthen agricultural ecosystems.
Chief Agriculture Officer Kathua Jatinder Kumar Khajuria highlighted the significance of the campaign in ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability. He elaborated on the importance of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), balanced use of fertilisers, integrated disease and pest management, soil health management and the adoption of smart agricultural technologies. He also sensitised participants about the National Mission on Natural Farming and emphasised the need to reduce dependency on chemical inputs while promoting eco-friendly farming.
Chief Animal Husbandry Officer Kathua Dr Jugal Kishore apprised participants of various schemes and initiatives being implemented by the department for farmer welfare and the promotion of integrated farming systems. He emphasised the importance of livestock-based interventions in strengthening rural livelihoods and enhancing farmers' income.
An interactive session was also held during which farmers raised queries related to soil health management, crop protection, natural farming and modern agricultural practices. Experts and scientists addressed the queries and provided practical guidance. District Agriculture Officer (Extension) Kathua Raj Singh presented the vote of thanks.