Chief Secretary, B B Vyas Thursday chaired the meeting of the State Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC) to review the implementation of the Sub- Mission on Agricultural Extension (SMAE) under the National Mission of Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET). Principal Secretary, Finance, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Administrative Secretaries of the Departments of Animal & Sheep Husbandry, Agriculture, Floriculture, Horticulture, Rural Development and other senior officers were present in the meeting.Director Agriculture Jammu, who is also the State Nodal Officer SMAE-ATMA gave a detailed presentation in regard to the achievements of various departments during 2017-18.The Committee also discussed and approved the State Extension Work Plan (SEWP)-2018-19 of Rs 33.29 Crore under the Mission with focus on convergence, transfer of skill and technology to farmers, farmer awareness campaigns, demonstration activities and training/capacity building of field functionaries of Agriculture, Animal & Sheep Husbandry, Horticulture, floriculture, sericulture, fisheries and other allied sectors.
Chief Secretary called upon concerned departmental heads to focus on convergence with the Rural Development Department and ensure that part of the MGNREGA resources are utilized for construction of water harvesting structures, small irrigation khuls, cattle sheds, vermi compost units, pits and other activities beneficial to the farming community in the villages.Chief Secretary emphasized on holding interactive sessions with farmers groups and preparing a compendium of best agriculture practices and hosting information related to research and innovation, best agricultural practices, government schemes and success stories on ATMA Website for the benefit of the farmers. Chief Secretary urged the concerned Administrative Secretaries and HoDs to focus on initiatives that shall contribute towards value addition of the agricultural produce and promote a shift from subsistence to commercial farming in the state.