BUDGAM: Minister for Agriculture Production, Ghulam Hassan Mir has said that the Agriculture Department is playing a vital role in changing the socio-economic condition of the farming community of the state, adding that by providing latest technological advances to the farming community at their doorsteps, which has led to increase in the production of crops since last several years.
The Minister said this while speaking after inaugurating of Mega Kissan Mela-cum-Exhibition organized by Department of Agriculture, Kashmir division here at Behisht-Zehra Tuesday. A large number of progressive farmers from Budgam, Khansahib, Beerwa and Khag blocks attended the Mela.
Minister of State for Agriculture, Nazir Ahmad Gurezi was also present on the occasion.
The Minister said that in view of dwindling interest of the younger generation in agriculture activities, focused attention of the government will continue towards this sector adding that the Agriculture Production Department has triggered new hopes of profitability and dignity among the people choosing agriculture as an occupation.
Mir said that by using these new technologies in the field, and adhering timely expertise of the agri-experts, better results have been achieved, which, he said, is a good omen towards prosperity of farming community.
The Minister stressed upon the farmers to adopt method of organic farming besides using fertilizers and pesticides, which have been recommended by researchers and experts as most fruitful for increasing the production of crops. He said 2014 has been declared as marketing year for organic farming products by the agriculture department.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for Agriculture, Nazir Ahmad Gurezi said that Jammu and Kashmir is a food deficit state and our mission is to involve more and more people in agricultural activities, which will not only provide employment opportunities to the un-employed youth but by increasing production and productivity of crops in the fields shall make the state a self-reliant in food grains.
Gurezi asked the officers of agriculture department to conduct such Kissan Melas in future also so that a large number of farming community are benefitted.
The Director Agriculture, Peerzada Mushtaq Ahmad said that on the one hand, latest technologies are being demonstrated to the farmers for their translation into agricultural operation and on the other the problems being faced by the farming community are referred to the research institutions as a feedback for their immediate redressal.
Giving details of some major achievements the Director said that under centrally sponsored scheme Rashteriya Krishi Vikas Youjna (RKVY) an amount of Rs 74.083 lacs have been provided to the 334 beneficiaries of the district during this kharief season. He said under Technology Mission programme an amount of Rs 14.51 lacs were provided to 125 beneficiaries, Rs 6.30 lacs to 92 beneficiaries under ATMA, Rs 6.09 lacs to 26 beneficiaries under ASOPOM while as Rs 826.72 lacs to 3235 beneficiaries under National Mission on Saffron were provided to the farmers in district Budgam.
Earlier, the Ministers inspected various stalls set up by the various wings of the Agriculture Department where seeds and Agri equipments were kept available for the farmers.
Besides a large number of farmers, panchs, sarpanchs , senior officers of the Department and officers from district administration were present.
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