Rana conducts extensive tour of Ranbir Canal Network in Jammu; stresses quality desilting works

• Omar Govt prioritising reforms to enhance agricultural productivity: Gupta

JAMMU: Javed Ahmed Rana, senior leader of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference and Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, on Saturday conducted an extensive tour of the Ranbir Canal irrigation network across RS Pura and Suchetgarh tehsils to review ongoing desilting works and ensure that irrigation water reaches tail-end areas, crucial for the region’s globally renowned Basmati rice cultivation.

He was accompanied by the party’s Provincial President Jammu Rattan Lal Gupta, Mohinder Singh Senior NC leader and former Chairman JCCB Jammu,  Rakesh Singh Raka Vice President Central Zone,  District President Jammu Rural-B Naresh Bittu, and local Block Presidents Dev Raj, Sham Lal Sadhotra, Jitender Kumar, S. Balwinder Singh, Naresh, Jatinder Singh Lucky NC leader, Jatinder Kumar District President SC Cell Jammu Rural “B”, Amit Kumar District President Jammu Rural “B” YNC   and other party functionaries.

Interacting with farmers, Rana said, “Annual desilting of the canal network is a mandatory exercise to restore the system to its original design capacity and ensure water reaches even the tail-end areas. We have systematically cleared accumulated silt, weeds, and obstructions to maintain smooth water flow. Clear directives have been issued to all field officers to maintain timelines and quality. Any lapse or substandard work will invite strict action.”

Speaking on the occasion, Gupta said, “The government under the leadership of Omar Abdullah is committed to strengthening and modernising the agriculture sector, the backbone of our rural economy. Focused efforts are underway to upgrade irrigation infrastructure, improve water management, and ensure farmers receive timely support. Our goal is to build a more efficient and resilient agricultural system so that the benefits of development reach every farmer across the region.”