Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-J) under the aegis of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Kathua organized awareness-cum Farmers Fair on Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bhima Yojana at KVK Rajhani, Kathua.The programme was inaugurated by Member Parliament Shamsher Singh Manhas. MLA Kathua Rajiv Jasrotia and Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu Dr Pradeep K Sharma were the guests of honour on the occasion.
In his address, Shamsher Singh Manhas informed the farmers that several centrally sponsored schemes (CSS) have been launched for the benefit of the farming community. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bhima Yojana (PMFBY) is the flagship programme under which the premium paid by farmers has been reduced to 2% of the insured value for the more rain-dependent Kharif crop and 1.5% for the Rabi season, compared with 3.5-8% charged for the two earlier schemes - National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) and Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS). In the case of horticultural crops, farmers’ premium burden will be 5% of the sum assured or 50% of the total premium.
Manhas stressed upon the farmers to take maximum benefit from the schemes launched by government and urged the field department to prepare a roadmap to cover maximum farmers under these schemes.MLA Kathua Rajiv Jasrotia highlighted the importance of government schemes for the benefit of the farming community. He further advised farmers to take benefit of all these schemes to the fullest so that the risks involved in farming may be reduced.Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Jammu Prof P K Sharma urged the farmers to be in regular touch with the University and Krishi Vigyan Kendras of the district. He assured that the SKUAST and KVKs will make all efforts to bring latest technologies available elsewhere to the doorsteps of farmers.Director Research SKUAST-J, Dr J P Sharma emphasized upon the adoption of new technology in the form of improved seeds, recommended by SKUAST.More than 400 farmers/farm women participated in the event.
The national institutes and development departments including CSIR-IIIM Jammu, Agriculture, horticulture, social forestry, sericulture, floriculture, animal husbandry, sheep husbandry, and various private sector companies displayed their products at the stalls in the fair. The farmers and social groups of Jammu district such as NICRA village, Poultry farmers, sheep rearers, Mushroom growers etc. also participated in the fair by raising their exhibits. A ‘Beej Vahan’ of SKUAST-Jammu was also located at KVK for sale of improved seed to the farmers of the district.An exhibition on different technologies available with public and private players was showcased and progressive farmers were facilitated during the programme. A booklet on Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana was also released and distributed among the farmers during the fair.Earlier Associate Director Extension & I/c KVKs Dr. R.K. Arora, gave a brief account of many important schemes of central & state governments for development of Agriculture & allied sectors in Jammu region. Dr. Amrish Vaid, Sr. Scientist and Head, KVK Kathua presented the vote of thanks to the guests and farmers.