The Department of Agriculture, Kashmir, today organized a mega Kissan Mela–cum-Exhibition at Dak Bungalow in Baramulla. Minister for Horticulture, Syed Basharat Bukhari, was the Chief Guest of the programme.Fifteen stalls were established for displaying various items related to agriculture and allied sectors on the occasion. While inspecting the stalls, the Minister, was briefed by the officers of Agriculture, Horticulture, Fisheries, Sericulture, Animal Husbandry and Sheep Husbandry departments about their respective achievements. He was also apprised of the latest farmer-friendly schemes being implemented in the district besides introduction of latest equipments and technologies. Some private entrepreneurs also displayed their items during the mela-cum-exhibition.The Minister appreciated the role of the Agriculture Department for conducting such events, which pave way for bringing all the allied sectors under one umbrella, where the farmers have access to all the related technological knowhow.He urged the farming community to take advantage of all the various schemes in agriculture and allied sectors.
The Minister stressed on promoting apiculture, mushroom cultivation, small and cottage industries, which he said are both income and employment generating sectors.On the occasion, the Minister was informed that the Department has distributed an amount of Rs. 1.29 crore amongst the farming community as financial assistance during the current financial year. The assistance was provided under various schemes, including RKVY, NFSM, PMKSY, MIHD and NMAET, for purchase of Agriculture machineries, creation of water resources, construction of godowns and green houses.It was also given out that the Department has distributed 19 Power Tillers, 2 Tractors, 103 Irrigation Pump Sets, 145 Tube-wells, 16 Green Houses and 88 Water Harvesting Tanks to the farmers of the district besides, four godowns provided during the year.DDC Baramulla, officers from Agriculture and Horticulture Departments, scientists from SKAUST, field functionaries besides farmers from various areas of Baramulla district also attended the exhibition.