Financial Commissioner (FC), Agriculture Production Department, Pramod Jain along with Vice Chancellor SKUAST– J, Dr Pradeep Sharma today conducted tour of Chakrohi farm to review the progress and working of seed multiplication there. Director of Agriculture Jammu Ashok Malhotra, Director Research SKUAST–J Dr J.P. Sharma and Joint Director of Agriculture (Inputs) Jammu KS Sambyal accompanied them during the visit.While taking an overview of the activities undertaken at the farm and the achievements made under the Special Task Force Project at Chakrohi, Mr Jain directed the farm manager to ensure that irrigation be made available to 500 acres of farm area.He said it could be achieved by utilizing full potential of the irrigation tube wells already installed and making all of them fully functional within one month. Pramod Jain instructed the officers of the Department to work vigorously for the quality seed production at the farm.It was also directed to develop an organic model for the farm and also prepare the action plan with respect to climate change resilient agriculture that may provide extra means and ways for bringing excellence in the farm output.
Taking the serious view of the repairable and obsolete machinery at the farm, FC directed that the unserviceable machinery and equipments should be repaired and made functional immediately.The FC stressed the need for weekly review of operations, available resources, capabilities and manpower requirement and take requisite measures immediately in a time bound manner.Mr Jain also directed that a team of scientists of SKUAST-J to visit the farm on periodic basis for making an on the spot appraisal and suggestions for quality seed production. The Seed Certification Agency of the Department should also monitor the crop strictly as per the mandate, he said.To overcome the problem of labor availability, Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-J advocated that direct seeding of rice should be encouraged at the farm, adding paddy seeder and care to be taken to keep the weeds under effective control.It was decided that the 200 acres area of the farm which is presently under the administrative control of SKUAST-J will again be handed over to the Agriculture Department and the requisite modalities will be finalised with SKUAST-J and Custodian Department separately. The Financial Commissioner emphasized upon all the officers and staff members of the farm to work with zeal and dedication to enhance the production and productivity of the crops grown on the farm.