Inaugurates mega Kisan Mela; says more Agri-schemes on anvil in JK UT
SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 29: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan today said that the government has incorporated Agriculture, Horticulture and other allied sectors in the forthcoming Global Investors Summit. The potential areas have also been earmarked so that farmers get remunerative cost of their yield at their doorstep. Besides, ensuring export potential of Agriculture and Horticulture crops.
“Government is focusing on areas which are repository of assorted crops and varied cultivars, which will make our valley relevant in international trade circuits.
Kashmiri Saffron is known globally for its distinctive color, aroma and medicinal value and unique aroma and taste of native rice varieties like Mushkibudji and Zag, called novelty of Kashmir, will be in high demand world over,” the Div Com said.
He was addressing a huge gathering of farmers during the inauguration of mega Kisan Mela in the premises of Agriculture Complex, Lal Mandi, organized by the Department of Agriculture, here today.
He said that after the formation of Union Territory, more Agriculture based schemes will be implemented in the valley which will benefit 70% population directly or indirectly associated with Agriculture and Horticulture activities.
Div Com said that farming community should adopt scientific methods to enhance crop yield. He said that new farm techniques and machinery besides, hybrid seeds & plants, green houses, refrigerated vans, fertilizers, marketing facilities and subsidy schemes which besides enhancing farming skills can create huge employment potential.
He said that by employing these techniques and availing the benefits of government schemes, valley will become self-sufficient in agriculture and allied sectors, enhancing the economy graph of Kashmir.
Director Agriculture, Kashmir, Altaf Aijaz Andrabi said that the aim of organizing the Kisan Mela is to acquaint the farmer with latest technologies and make him aware about various centrally sponsored and other agriculture schemes.
He further informed that, after the formation of Union Territory, Department of Agriculture made farmer friendly plan in an effort to double the farmer’s income by 2022.
Due to weather vagaries, the department has already stocked up 25000 quintals of fertilizers to make it readily available to farmers on subsidized rates in perfect season. The department has already distributed 3500 quintals of new G.I. saffron brand, he added.
The Director said that department of agriculture is always ready to provide support to the farming community. He informed that Agriculture Department and its allied sectors had installed 123 stalls displaying high yielding vegetable seeds variety, cereals, fodders and seedlings.
Stalls displaying Apiculture, Mushroom, Sericulture, floriculture, fisheries, sheep husbandry, farm equipment, mechanized implements, refrigerated vans, and tractors were setup during the mela.
Besides, banks had also established stalls to provide information about various government schemes and loan offers for agriculture and allied sectors.
On the occasion, the Divisional Commissioner distributed subsidized farm equipment and appreciation certificates among the farmers.
He took round of stalls and enquired about the facilities which are being provided to the farmers and growers.
He lauded Department of Agriculture for organizing mega Kisan Mela.
Around one thousand farmers participated in the event and purchased different farm products on subsidized rates.
Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Director Horticulture, Kashmir, Aijaz Ahmad Bhat, Joint and Deputy Directors of the department, and other concerned were present on the occasion.
