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. JAMMU: Member Legislative Assembly Marh Surinder Kumar Bhagat today inaugurated the flagship awareness and outreach campaign “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” at village Patniyal, Panchayat Sangrampur, Sub-Division Marh.
The extensive programme of the Agriculture Production Department aims to promote sustainable cultivation, protect soil health, encourage the judicious use of farm inputs and enhance overall farm productivity among farmers, youth, agripreneurs and progressive growers.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest, underscored the critical importance of safeguarding agricultural land and preserving soil fertility for future generations. The MLA emphasised the need for the balanced and wise use of fertilisers, advising farmers to avoid the indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides and adopt Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to ensure safe, sustainable production. He urged the local farming community to actively participate in government initiatives designed to strengthen rural livelihoods and enhance economic resilience.
Speaking on the occasion, Director Agriculture Jammu Anil Gupta highlighted the department’s ongoing efforts to promote profitable farming through scientific interventions and farmer-centric schemes. The Director urged farmers to diversify cropping systems and expand cultivation areas for pulses and oilseed crops, noting that India continues to import substantial quantities of these commodities to meet domestic demand. Achieving self-reliance in these strategic crops, he noted, is essential for national food security. He also encouraged the adoption of soil-test-based nutrient management and modern agricultural technologies.
Horticulture Development Officer Jammu Dr Nazran Khan sensitised the participants about the critical role of horticultural development in the region's economy. The HDO highlighted various schemes, components, incentives and subsidies available for the welfare and economic upliftment of farming communities, encouraging growers to embrace scientific cultivation techniques to improve crop and fruit yields while preserving ecological balance.
Furthering the discussion, Joint Director Agriculture (SLUB/Farms) Jammu Aman Jyoti and Chief Agriculture Officer Jammu Manohar Lal Sharma elaborated on the campaign's core objectives. They called for coordinated, multi-sectoral efforts by farmers, scientists and field functionaries to protect fragile agricultural ecosystems through integrated nutrient management.
During the technical sessions, Chief Scientist and Head of KVK Jammu Dr Punit Choudhary, alongside experts including Dr Vivek M Arya and Dr Balbir Kumar from SKUAST-J, and DAO Extension Jammu Vinod Khajuria, delivered expert lectures on soil health management, crop diversification and natural farming.
An interactive session was also conducted where scientists directly addressed queries raised by farmers regarding crop protection and sustainable land use. A live demonstration on the preparation and application of Beejamrit and Jeevamrit under natural farming frameworks was also held and official Soil Health Cards were distributed to the beneficiaries.
Among those present were senior officers from the Agriculture, Horticulture and allied wings of the department, alongside more than 350 local farmers and progressive growers from across the Marh sub-division.
