Vice Chairman State Advisory Board for Development of Kissans (SABDK), Daljit Singh Chib, today chaired a meeting to review the progress of various government-sponsored welfare schemes implemented by the State Agriculture Department and other allied sectors in the Valley.The meeting was also convened to take inputs from members and progressive farmers about the finalization of Board programme regarding organizing of awareness camps –cum-kissan melas during the year 2018-19.The Board members appreciated the efforts of the Vice Chairman for organizing various farmer friendly programmes in Jammu division and arranging interstate exposure tours for the farmers of the State. It was said that SABDK for the first time deputed nine women farmers to Indian Agriculture Research Institute, Pusa New Delhi, where they were given exposure in the post-harvest technology of fresh fruits and vegetables.The Board Members expressed hope that such programmes shall be also organized here in Kashmir Valley.
During the meeting, the Board members put forth various demands before the Vice Chairman like the timely supply of fertilizers and other pesticides and insecticides.Speaking on the occasion, the Vice Chairman said that Board is committed for the welfare of farmers of the state. He assured Board members and farmers that all the issues raised will be taken up with respective departments for their early redressal.Highlighting the importance of women in Agriculture, the Vice Chairman said that Kissan Board will also arrange training modules for the Women farmers of Kashmir Division. He said they shall be deputed to the states of Punjab, Himachal and Delhi so that the exposure gained there shall help them in making Self-help Groups for establishing their own processing units.He instructed Chief Agriculture officers of Budgam and Bandipora to identify the suitable locations where the Board can organize awareness camps and melas so that the farmers can be reached at grass root level.