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DODA: Transport Commissioner Vishesh Paul Mahajan today discussed transport and traffic management issues in Doda district here at meeting with local administration. The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh; Senior Superintendent of Police Traffic National Highway Rohit Basgotra; ASP Headquarters Shakeel Ahmed Bhatt;  DySP Traffic Sarabjeet Singh; ARTOs of Doda Kishtwar and Ramban,  General Manager NHIDCL, XEN PWD  and other officials from Doda Bhaderwah and Thathri. Transport sector stakeholders also participated.

The meeting focused on measures to ease traffic congestion, illegal parking and overloading. Transport Union representatives shared the challenges faced by commuters, while PWD and NHIDCL engineers provided updates on road projects. The Commissioner stressed the need for timely completion of road repairs and widening works. The ARTO Doda highlighted enforcement measures in place to contain traffic violations.

The Commissioner directed the ARTO to ensure electric autos and e-rickshaws operate within prescribed routes. "E-rickshaws shall not be allowed on long routes and  strict action should be taken  against any violations" he directed. The fare structure of e-rickshaws and auto-rickshaws was also discussed to keep  check on overcharging.

The  meeting was informed that a budget of ₹2 crore has been allocated for installing crash barriers and blacktopping of roads in sensitive areas. The Commissioner instructed authorities to prioritize these projects to strengthen road safety. He further asked for installation of CCTV cameras at key locations to monitor traffic and enforce safety rules.

To promote safe driving, the Commissioner urged MVD authorities to organise counseling sessions for drivers on regular intervals. He emphasized  action against drunk driving, use of mobile phone and breach of speed limits, especially in hilly areas like Assar to Pul Doda. The DySP Traffic and ARTO Doda were directed to strictly implement speed regulations and organise awareness campaigns. The Commissioner also instructed transport officials to take strict action against violators.

Transport associations were urged to work together with enforcement agencies to improve transport facilities and ensure all vehicles are up-to-date. The DySP Traffic and ARTO Doda were asked to ensure that no vehicle operates without a valid permit. A committee will be constituted to regulate the movement and routes of e-rickshaws.

The Commissioner directed the XEN PWD and GM NHIDCL to focus on  road maintenance while  the CEO was asked to promote road safety awareness in schools. He emphasized the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in making roads safer and traffic smoother in Doda.

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JAMMU: In a major enforcement drive, Jammu Police in collaboration with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and Revenue Department conducted a Joint naka at Chohala, R S Pura to crack down on traffic violators. The team led by Tehsildar R.S. Pura Chander Shekhar, ARTO Mohammad Saleem, ARTO National highway Pawan Singh, Inspector Ravi Singh Parihar SHO P/S R.S Pura, Inspector Azad, Inspector C.S Balloria and officials from Police Station R.S. Pura took strict action against offenders for violation of different provisions of the law.

During the extensive checking, the Police and ARTO team seized 20 vehicles and issued 42 challans, booking a 62  traffic violators. The violations ranged from overloading and permit breaches to reckless driving and non-compliance with safety norms. The violators were  imposed Rs 1,93,500 fine on spot by the ARTO.

The seized vehicles included matadors, cars, motorcycles, scooties, and tractors, highlighting the widespread nature of traffic violations. The authorities emphasized that such enforcement drives are necessary to curb road safety risks and ensure strict adherence to traffic laws. The joint effort of departments reflects a commitment towards maintaining discipline on the roads and safeguarding commuters.

Commenting on the enforcement drive, the officials reiterated that traffic violations will not be tolerated, and strict legal action will continue against defaulters. The Jammu Police and transport authorities have urged citizens to follow traffic rules and ensure proper documentation to avoid penalties. Compliance with regulations is essential to preventing road accidents and maintaining smooth traffic flow.

This enforcement operation is part of a broader strategy by Jammu Police to enhance road safety across the region. Such initiatives will be conducted regularly to deter violations and promote responsible driving habits among motorists.

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• Lieutenant Governor attends 'Krishak Mela' at R.S Pura Campus of SKUAST, Jammu
• Inaugurates 4 facilities at the campus that will strengthen education, research, and farmer training
• Earlier, we used to adopt extension models and schemes of other states, but now J&K has emerged as a leader in implementing innovative agricultural initiatives that are being cited as models by other states: LG
• We have successfully secured GI tags for several traditional products, enhancing their market value and ensuring authenticity. Efforts are underway to obtain GI recognition for more local products, boosting the export potential and market visibility of the region: Lieutenant Governor
• LG Directed the University to reinforce its outreach to farmers through direct personal contact, ensuring that research-driven innovations and best practices effectively reach the grassroots level
• Incubation Centre of SKUAST-Jammu has already incubated more than 100 youths and supported 35 startups obtaining support from Union Ministry of Agriculture. Efforts should be further strengthened to drive agricultural transformation and economic growth: LG

JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today attended the ‘Krishak Mela 2025’ at R.S. Pura campus of SKUAST, Jammu. The Lieutenant Governor felicitated the progressive Farmers, and also inaugurated four facilities at the campus that will strengthen education, research, and farmer training.

In his address, the Lieutenant Governor spoke on the remarkable transformation taking place in the Agriculture and Allied sector of UT of J&K, under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He reaffirmed his commitment to drive agricultural advancement in Jammu Kashmir.

“We have taken various innovative steps to transform Agricultural landscape of Jammu Kashmir including the launch of flagship project Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP). For the last three consecutive years, J&K has set a record of productivity in agriculture and allied sector. Earlier, we used to adopt extension models and schemes of other states, but now J&K has emerged as a leader in implementing innovative agricultural initiatives that are being cited as models by other states,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He also shared the key initiatives taken by the government to increase productivity and make the agriculture sector more viable through policy interventions, sustainable practices, advanced technologies, and innovative marketing methods. “We have successfully secured GI tags for several traditional products, enhancing their market value and ensuring authenticity. Efforts are underway to obtain GI recognition for more local products, boosting the export potential and market visibility of the region,” the Lieutenant Governor said. 

The Lieutenant Governor commended the SKUAST Jammu for successfully running outreach programme through KVKs and research stations to explore strengths and opportunities in the region. He directed the University to reinforce its outreach to farmers through direct personal contact, ensuring that research-driven innovations and best practices effectively reach the grassroots level.

Incubation Centre of SKUAST-Jammu has already incubated more than 100 youths and supported 35 startups obtaining support from Union Ministry of Agriculture. Efforts should be further strengthened to drive agricultural transformation and economic growth, he added.

The Lieutenant Governor visited the stalls put up by the farmers, Farmers Producers Organizations and various line departments. He also released a publication "Krishi Adharit Udhyamon ke Madhyam Se: Sashakt aur Smriddh Bhavishya ki Kheti" compiled and edited by KVK, Jammu and launched a Mobile App -Radio Kissan SKUAST Jammu 90.8 FM.

The Krishak Mela is aimed to showcase modern agricultural technologies, promote sustainable farming practices and provide a platform for knowledge exchange among farmers, scientists and policymakers.

The facilities inaugurated by the Lieutenant Governor includes: Fully Automated Poultry Production Unit equipped with advanced infrastructure designed to enhance poultry farming efficiency and sustainability including PG Lab on Poultry Research; Sanskriti PG Girls’ Hostel; Faculty Club and Residential Quarters.

Shri Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Prof. B N Tripathi, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST Jammu; Dr Amrish Vaid Director Extension, SKUAST Jammu; Dr Rajesh Katoch Dean, F.V.SC. & AH SKUAST Jammu, senior officials, HoDs, faculty members and large number of farmers were present.

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JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today passed the Demands of Grants for various departments. The approved grants included Rs. 258369.98 Lakh for Agriculture Production Department, Rs. 122899.58 Lakh for Animal & Sheep Husbandry Department, Rs. 22524.86 Lakh for Fisheries Department, Rs. 475485.95 Lakh for Rural Development Department, Rs. 70429.33 lakh for Horticulture Department, Rs. 35960.43 lakh for Election Department, and Rs. 9642.4 Lakh for the Co-operatives Department.

Winding up the discussion on Demands for Grants, Minister for Agriculture Production, RDD, Cooperative and Election, Departments, Javid Ahmad Dar, said that agriculture and allied sectors are indeed the backbone of Jammu & Kashmir's economy, contributing a staggering Rs 37,559 crore, which accounts for 18 percent of the State's Gross Domestic Product (SGDP). The Horticulture sector takes the lead, accounting for a whopping 41 percent of this contribution, reaffirming J&K’s dominance in high value fruit production. He said that the Livestock sector plays a crucial role, contributing 33 percent to the economy, while core agriculture activities make up 25 percent, demonstrating the region’s diverse and resilient agrarian economy.

He said that the government is complementing its ongoing investments in infrastructure with a stronger emphasis on beneficiary-oriented schemes, ensuring that the farmers directly benefit from targeted interventions. One such initiative is the High-Density Plantation (HD) Scheme, which has already brought 836 hectare under high-density orchards, including 174 hectare covered in the current financial year. With Rs 30 crore budget allocation during 2024-25, this initiative is driving higher productivity, increased farmer income and long-term sustainability in the horticulture sector, he added.

The Minister said that the government is also driving transformational growth in the livestock sector through targeted interventions that enhance productivity, employment and income generation for farmers. He said 3,220 dairy units were established in 2024-25 under Integrated Dairy Development Scheme, generating employment for nearly 5,000 people. Similarly, 2,170 units were set up in 2024-25 under the Integrated Sheep Development Scheme.

Jammu and Kashmir's agriculture sector is experiencing a remarkable transformation under the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP), delivering tangible results, said the Minister. He extolled that agriculture in the UT is undergoing a transformative shift, from a focus solely on produce to a producer-centric approach. This evolution is driving higher returns for the farmers, nurturing entrepreneurship and creating a more sustainable and commercially viable agricultural ecosystem, he added.

He said that there are 29 projects under HADP, spanning across all sectors within the Agriculture Production Department (APD), driving a fundamental transformation in Jammu & Kashmir’s agri-economy.

The Minister highlighted significant strides in horticulture, particularly in the expansion of High-Density (HD) Plantations. The government is developing rootstock banks and mother orchards to support growth of HD plantations across 5,500 hectare under Project 21 of HADP. During 2024-25, the government promoted protected cultivation with 9,083 square meters already developed for rootstock production besides establishment of 45 hectares as mother orchards and cultivating 18.6 hectare for rootstock production, he maintained.

He said that assistance will now be disbursed in three phases, 50 percent after plantation, 30 percent upon sprouting and the final 20 percent after one year, if survival reaches 90 percent, to address setbacks in traditional orchards due to reduced farmer engagement post-financial support.

The Minister said that the government is also launching scientific measures to improve livestock breeding besides implementing Embryo Transfer Technology (ETT) and Artificial Insemination (AI) to enhance the genetic potential in cattle, sheep and goats. He said that 191 satellite heifer rearing units had been established in 2024-25 to reduce dependence on animal imports and improve the quality of dairy animals in J&K. Additionally, 19 milk value-addition SHGs were supported with Rs 25 lakh each, equipping 88 SHGs with automatic milk collection units linked to bulk milk coolers.

Regarding the mutton sector, he informed that four breed-based farms (each housing 500 sheep) and 673 commercial sheep farms had been established during 2024–25 said.  Besides, the government is importing 900 high quality Texel and Dorper sheep from Australia to enhance the meat production.

The Minister said that 210 trout units, 6 Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) units and 8 biofloc units had been established in 2024-25, to boost fish production, improve livelihoods and promote sustainable aquaculture in J&K. He added that the government is focusing on improving irrigation coverage, promoting climate-resilient cropping and ensuring judicious use of water resources for expanding irrigation infrastructure and enhancing water efficiency in rainfed areas.

He informed that the District Irrigation Plan aims to cover 415,000 hectare of Culturable Command Area (CCA). So far, 191,000 hectare has been covered and efforts are underway to bring an additional 33,000 hectare under irrigation.  He said that, to bridge this gap, 18 projects are in progress under UT Capex and 14 new projects worth Rs 48.83 crore have been sanctioned. Also, 20,102 hectare has been brought under irrigation during   2024-25. Over the next three years, an allocation of Rs 116.86 crore will be utilized on establishment of 200 community borewells, integrated with drip and sprinkler irrigation systems to significantly enhance water use efficiency and boost agricultural productivity across 2,000 hectare.

The Minister said that, simultaneously, the Rainfed Area Development (RAD) Project 16 is focused on making rainfed farming more sustainable and climate resilient under HADP. He said that the department through its project on “Promotion of Vegetables and Exotic Vegetables under Open and Hi-Tech Protected Cultivation” is expanding both open-field vegetable cultivation and hi-tech protected farming, ensuring higher yields, better quality and greater market competitiveness.

The Minister revealed that 21 lakh soil health cards have been issued to farmers under the Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme.

He said that currently there are 37 mandis with 24 fully operational and the remaining 13 in various stages of development. Significantly, out of the 19 wholesale mandis, 17 have already been integrated with the e-NAM platform, while the integration of the remaining two is underway. In 2024-25 alone, 54,975 stakeholders were registered on the platform, including 3,634 growers, 72 traders and 108 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). In 2024-25, a total of 9.44 lakh quintal of agricultural and horticultural produce worth Rs 594 crore, was traded through e-NAM, as compared to 6.55 lakh quintal worth  Rs 416 crore in 2023-24, he said.

The Minister said that introduction of the rail network in Kashmir will be a game-changer for the apple growers, significantly reducing freight costs and ensuring better profitability. “Jammu & Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement Project (JKCIP) is a forward-looking initiative being launched with support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)” the Minister said.

Javid Dar said that in J&K, there are 10.82 lakh active KCC accounts, 8.49 lakh for crops and 2.33 lakh for animal husbandry. This year alone, 61,316 new KCCs were issued. The total sanctioned limit stands at ₹9,726 crore with an outstanding credit of Rs 7,393 crore. The NPA ratios remain low at 4.7% for crops and 2.1% for animal husbandry, reflecting strong credit discipline. In FY 2025–26, we aim to add 1 lakh new KCCs in the crop sector and 2 lakh in Animal Husbandry, he added.

He said that the Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme is also being implemented to promote small food processors, improve value addition and enhance market access. Based on a One District One Product (ODOP) strategy, it offers a 35% credit-linked subsidy up to ₹10 lakh, and support to SHGs and FPOs. He said upto 2024-25, 1743 applications were cleared by District Committees, with 1,326 sanctioned, 927 disbursed and 1,000 new units targeted for establishment in 2025-26.

In 2024-25, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) provided insurance coverage to 1.48 lakh farmers during Rabi, covering 60,556 hectare and 60,178 farmers in Kharif with 20,561 hectares insured. To further enhance climate risk coverage, the Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) is being implemented for the first time in J&K during 2025-26. He said that for the first time, apple, saffron, mango and litchi will be covered under the Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS), the Minister emphasised.

He said that seven unique agricultural products from J&K have been granted the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) Tag by the Government of India, reinforcing their authenticity, heritage and market value. These included Saffron, Basmati, Baderwah Rajmash, Mushkbudji Rice, Udhampur Kaladi, Ramban Sulai Honey and Ramban Anardana. In continuation, GI tagging for 17 more crops shall be processed during 2025-26.

Javid Dar said that Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) Jammu, Kashmir has made remarkable strides in agricultural research and innovation, securing an impressive 104 patents, creating 162 startups and releasing 174 new crop varieties. These achievements underscored SKUAST’s pioneering role in fostering technological advancements, strengthening the agricultural ecosystem and driving entrepreneurship in J&K, he said.

He said that the government is relentlessly working to transform agricultural sector with a vision to increase its contribution to the State Gross Geographical Product (SGGP) from ₹37,559 crore to ₹1 lakh crore in the next five years with creation of 18000 enterprises, 2.8 lakh employments and 2.5 lakh skilled farmers/ agripreneurs.

 “We are accelerating our march towards the target of 5,500 hectares under high-density fruit plantations. For 2025–26, we are making a historic allocation of ₹70 crore—the highest ever which has never been more than Rs 40 crore per year to boost modernization, orchard productivity, improve fruit quality and multiply farmers' incomes”, the Minister informed.

“In a major push to the dairy economy, 4,000 new dairy units will be established across the Union Territory this year, creating employment for over 7,000 youth and further strengthening our milk production and processing infrastructure”, the Minister emphasized. “Under the Integrated Sheep Development Scheme, we will set up 2,500 new sheep and goat units. Simultaneously, through the Integrated Poultry Development Program, 1,000 new entrepreneurs will receive financial support to establish modern broiler, layer and free-range poultry units along with processing facilities”, the Minister maintained.

“100 more satellite heifer rearing units will be established to ensure availability of superior dairy animals within J&K. Besides, 900 Texel and Dorper sheep shall be imported by June 2025 and 900 high-quality Swiss Alpine and Boer goats shall be imported during the current financial year. About 40 high-quality breeding bulls from the USA and 100 elite Jersey cows will be imported to strengthen our genetic base during this year,” the Minister informed.

“The Government is set to bring 22,933 hectares under assured irrigation during 2025-26. To support this, 18 projects are in progress under UT loan and 14 new projects worth Rs 48.83 crore have been sanctioned. This will bridge critical gaps and make farming more secure and productive,” Javid Dar informed.

“Four new Agri-Mandis will be established in Samba, Reasi, Kishtwar, and Bandipora, supported by a dedicated Market Intelligence Cell and Agri Branding Centers for global positioning of J&K produce. Further, projects for upgrading infrastructure at 5 mega mandis viz Sopore, Shopian, Narwal, Jablipora and Parimpora would be initiated,” the Minister maintained.

He said that a capital allocation of Rs 377 crore has been earmarked during 2025-26 for infrastructure development through NABARD in agriculture and allied sectors, ushering in a new era of rural modernization. The Minister said that the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (Gramin) – PMAY scheme has been a cornerstone of our efforts to provide housing security to the rural poor, transforming lives by replacing kuccha and dilapidated houses with Pucca homes equipped with basic amenities. He said that the detailed survey under PMAY 2.0 will be completed by the end of March 2025. As on date, more than 3.36 lakh beneficiaries have been included in the survey across all 20 districts.

He said that with this relaxed criteria, the matter has been taken up with MoRD for inclusion of daily wagers.

Javid Dar said that there are over 23.59 lakh registered workers, with 15.52 lakh actively engaged in meaningful work under MGNREGA in J&K. The scheme has not only provided wages but also created vital infrastructure that has transformed rural landscapes. For FY 2025-26, 3,13, 567 works have been identified which included proposed 80,000 new PMAY (G) works as proposed target with an outlay of Rs. 187.38 crore, he added.

“The government intends to generate 395 lakh person-days of employment, ensuring that every rural household has access to livelihood opportunities and a  total of 8,239 projects have been identified under the UT Convergence Plan, in collaboration with 19 Departments and other Rural Development schemes”, the Minister informed.

The Minister said that J&K has achieved a historic milestone by becoming 100% Open Defecation Free (ODF+) UT under Swachh Bharat Mission–Grameen (SBM-G) Phase I and II. He said that 30,000 IHHL units, 2,744 Community Sanitary Complexes and 16 GOBARdhan plants shall be established, making our villages cleaner, greener and more sustainable.

Regarding J&K Rural Livelihood Mission (JKRLM)–UMEED, the Minister said that over 90,000 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have been formed, transforming rural women into entrepreneurs. He said that the Lakhpati Didi initiative has identified 1.63 lakh potential Lakhpati households, ensuring that these women become role models for economic prosperity in their communities.

Under Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), the government is committed towards building the capacity of Panchayati Raj Institutions to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that every Panchayat becomes a center of excellence in governance and development. He said under the scheme during the current financial year, 330 Panchayat Ghars have already been completed, while 500 new Panchayat Ghars will be constructed in the financial year 2025-26.

Under UT CAPEX- CD Panchayat, the Minister said that a total of 88 buildings have been planned, comprising 24 BDC offices, 20 DDC offices and 20 DDC residential buildings. So far, 31 buildings have been completed including 28 BDC offices, 2 DDC offices and 1 DDC residential building. Similarly, the Minister said that the Department is targeting to train 9084 candidates and ensure placement of 3011 candidates in various jobs in the FY-2025-26 under HIMAYAT (Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana).

He said that through its Sahakar se Samridhi or prosperity through Cooperation, 24 new initiatives were taken towards revival of Co-operatives. Presently 4340 functional Cooperative Societies/Cooperatives have been registered in versatile fields like dairy, poultry, agriculture, consumer, health, housing, education etc. He said that 537 identified PACS of J&K are being computerized under this scheme with a total cost of Rs 17.05 crore. Besides, computerization of offices, establishment of Micro Food Processing Units for creating employment opportunities, especially in rural areas has been launched by the Cooperative Department.

He said that during the current financial year, 14 Mini Super Bazars are being constructed and around 12 Mini Super Bazars shall be constructed throughout UT of J&K during the next financial year. The establishment of Mini Super-bazars will not only provide a marketing platform to the FPOS, Self Help Groups, Cooperatives and Cooperative Societies, but will also provide daily consumable items to the consumers at cheaper rates, he added.

He said that a Pilot project has been identified at Rajbagh Kathua with a capacity of 1000MT and the DPR of the same has been formulated by the NCDC with an estimated cost of Rs. 197.88 lakh. Establishment of Grain Storages through PACS can boost the business activities of the Cooperative Societies and can generate employment avenues for educated unemployed youth, he maintained.

 For implementation of the Scheme, the land has been identified and transferred at 09 locations in favour of the Cooperative Department.  The total quantum of land is 64 Kanal and 15 Marla to construct Cooperative complexes for PACS/Marketing to run the Jan Aushadi Kendras, Common Service Centre, Kisan Smiridhi Kendras, Custom Hiring Centres, Fair Price Shops, Godowns under one roof to enhance the income of the PACS and making them self sufficient.

The Minister added that the Jammu & Kashmir aims to strengthen its cooperative ecosystem, promote inclusive growth and align local efforts with the broader objectives of IYC 2025, reinforcing the cooperative model as a key driver of social and economic progress.

The cut motions on Demands for Grants were withdrawn by the MLAs.

Legislators, , Sajad Shaheen, Payare Lal Sharma, Surjeet Singh Salathia, Javed Beigh, Nizamuddin Bhat, Mubarak Gul, Rafiq Ahmad Naik, Qaysar Jamshed Lone, Sham Lal Sharma, Sajad Gani Lone, Showkat Hussain Ganie, Nazir Ahmed Khan Gurezi, Shabir Ahmad Kullay, Gharu Ram Bhagat, Hasnain Masoodi, Farooq Ahmad Shah, Ghulam Mohi Din Mir, Irshad Rasool Kar, Dr. Narindra Singh, Javid Riyaz Bedar, Shakti Raj Parihar, Surandir Kumar Bhagat, G A Mir, Arjun Singh Raju, Mian Mehar Ali, Dr Rajiv Kumar Bhagat, Sheikh Kursheed Ahmad, Hilal Akbar Lone, Irfan Hafiz Lone, Satish Kumar Sharma, Mahraj Malik, Waheed-ur-Rahman Parra, Davinder Kumar Maniyal and Dr Rameshwar Singh spoke on the Demand for Grants and put forth their views and suggestions.

Later, the House passed the Demand for Grants moved by Javed Ahmad Dar by voice-vote.