Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh today called upon the farmers to make use of technological advancements in the field of agriculture to boost productivity.Expressing concern over shrinking agriculture land due to urbanization, the Deputy CM said the government has launched various schemes for the benefit of farmers, besides providing loans and subsidies on various agricultural tools and allied equipments to encourage the farming community.The Deputy CM said this while addressing a gathering of progressive farmers during one-day Kisan Mela-cum-exhibition being organized by J&K State Advisory Board for Development of Kisans at Govt Higher Secondary School, Jourian in Akhnoor.Vice Chairman, Kisan Advisory Board Daljit Singh Chib, MLA Akhnoor Rajeev Sharma, MLA Chhamb Dr Krishan Lal Bhagat, MLC Ajatshatru Singh, MLC Ramesh Arora, Secretary, Kisan Advisory Board G N Mir, Director Agriculture, Jammu A K Malhotra, Director Urban Local Bodies Soujanya Sharma, Chief Agriculture Officer, Jammu R L Bhagat, Director Horticulture, Jammu Bhawani Rakwal, senior officers of various concerned departments, Panchs, Sarpanchs and farmers were present in the Kisan Mela.
While addressing the gathering, the Deputy CM said the government is working relentlessly to realize the vision of PM Narendra Modi of doubling the income of farmers by 2022.Dr Singh asked the farming community to come forward and avail benefit of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY), Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), Soil Health Cards, National Mission for Agriculture Extension & Technology (NMAET-ATMA) and other centrally sponsored schemes. The farmers should make use of high quality seeds, urea, fertilizers and pesticides, besides taking up bee-keeping, mushroom cultivation and animal rearing for enhancing their income.The Deputy CM inspected various stalls set up by the Floriculture, Sericulture, Horticulture, Sheep Husbandry and Department of Fisheries, besides Seed Testing Laboratory, Semen Processing Laboratory and J&K Entrepreneurship Development Institute which were displayed to induce competitive spirit in the farming community and make them.
Dr Singh said the government is mulling to hold Panchayat elections soon so that Panchayats can be empowered and development can be taken to inaccessible villages of the State. Panchayat Ghars have been equipped with latest technology for the benefit of villagers across State, he added.Terming development as the main aim of state government, the Deputy CM said the PDP-BJP coalition government is working on Agenda of Alliance (AoA). The state government is working on AoA to ensure equitable development of all regions of the State, he added.On the occasion, the Deputy CM said more than Rs 1.45 crore would be released for carrying out different development activities in Khour, Akhnoor, Jourian and its other adjoining areas. The development works to be conducted include renovation of lanes/drains, upgradation of bus stand, construction of shopping complex, jogging track and guest house at Jourian, macadamization of roads at bus stand, streamlining power scenario and renovation of lanes/drains at Akhnoor and Khour.
Vice Chairman, Kisan Advisory Board Daljit Singh Chib, in his address, said the Modi government is launching one scheme after the other for the benefit of the farmers. The Kisan Melas give an opportunity to progressive farmers to interact with each other and know about the technical advancements being adopted by their counterparts in different parts of the State.The aim of Kisan Advisory Board is to ensure maximum progress of farmers of the State, he said, adding that farmers should also focus on saving the water, which is precious natural resource for carrying out agriculture activities.Highlighting the steps taken by the government for the development of Akhnoor, MLA Rajeev Sharma said the government has sanctioned Rs. 206 crore for Jourian-Pargwal Bridge over river Chenab for the convenience of common masses.MLA Chhamb, Dr Krishan Lal Bhagat said the farmers should shift to organic farming for boosting their agriculture produce, besides helping in keeping environment clean.Earlier, the Deputy CM paid tributes to the martyrs of 1953 and laid foundation stone of Tiranga Community Hall to be constructed at the cost of Rs. 86 lakh in Jourian.