KISHTWAR: Director Agriculture Production Jammu S. Arvinder Singh Reen undertook a comprehensive two-day tour of District Kishtwar. The visit aimed at reviewing the status of agricultural activities in the region, with a special focus on saffron cultivation. During the tour, the Director visited saffron-growing fields in the Pochhal area and the Saffron Development Farm at Berwar. He interacted with saffron growers and agricultural field staff to assess on-ground progress and address challenges in the cultivation process. The Director took note of ongoing interventions and provided guidance on improving saffron productivity and quality.
Meanwhile, S. Arvinder Singh Reen visited the office of the Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer, Gulabgarh/Padder, Zeera Development Farm at Padder, and conducted a field visit to Karthie, Padder. These visits were aimed at evaluating the potential for diversification and expansion of agricultural practices in remote areas. A strategic meeting was held with the District Development Commissioner Rajesh Kumar Shavan, Chief Agriculture Officer, Amjad Hussain Malik and Chief Horticulture Officer, Sajid Mustafa to discuss a future roadmap for the agricultural development of the district.
Emphasis was placed on infrastructure development, sustainable practices, and strengthening market linkages. The Director also visited the KKG-cum-sale-out counter at the AEO Office, verified the functioning of the KKG, and appreciated the efforts of the Krishi Udhyamis. Additionally, the Director addressed the ongoing camp on mushroom cultivation at the AEO Office Kishtwar, organized in collaboration with SBI RSETI Kishtwar, and informed the participants about the departmental initiatives.
On the concluding day, the Director chaired a detailed review meeting with the district agriculture staff and held a separate interaction with saffron growers. He appreciated the ongoing efforts of the department and encouraged all stakeholders to work collaboratively towards making Kishtwar a leading saffron-producing district in the region.
The Director assured full departmental support for enhancing farmer capacity, infrastructure improvement, and technical guidance. The Director was accompanied throughout the tour by Amjad Hussain Malik, Chief Agriculture Officer Kishtwar, DAO Kishtwar, SDO Kishtwar, SDAO Marwah, SDAO Padder and other senior field functionaries of the Agriculture Department.
