Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura today visited Check Nazela Dabra, Kanchallian, Maira, Pangali Colony, Dharian and Nadwal villages of Chamab Constituency and took stock of the ongoing works on New Pratap Canal under the Command Area Development (CAD) programme. He also inspected Seed Multiplication Farm, Bakore.MLA, Chamab, Dr. Krishan Lal, Director CAD, Mr. AK Malhotra, Deputy Director CAD, Onkar Singh Choudhary, Sub Divisional Magistrate, Khour, other officers of Agriculture, CAD and Revenue Department accompanied the Minister during his tour.The Minister was apprised that under New Pratap Canal the construction work on 11 projects is apace in the Constituency. He was also informed that Rs.2.88 crore have been spent on these works including construction of field channels during the current year and against the target of 2600 hectors of Cultivated Command Area (CCA), 1797 hectors of CCA has been covered during 2015-16 so far.
At SMF, Bakore Khour, the Minister was informed that Rs. 3.19 crore has been sanctioned under NABARD for the development of the farm. He was also informed that that the construction work of fencing, deep bore well, irrigation channel, Agriculture Assistant Quarter and office besides ramp works are to be taken under the said programme.The Minister directed that concerned to speed up the pace of work on all works and complete them in a stipulated time frame.Addressing a series of public meetings at different places including Khour and Nadwal during his tour, the Minister said that Government is committed for upliftment of farmer community, adding that in this regard several initiatives have been taken by the present dispensation.
He said the Government would take up the matter with the Central Government for comprehensive policy for the State of Jammu and Kashmir which he said will give benefit to the farming community in marketing of fruits and basmati. Responding to the demand for extending New Pratap Canal programme by further three years, the Minister said that this matter will soon be taken up with the Centre Government. He said present Government is committed to provide better irrigation facilities upto the tail end for improving agricultural production. With regard to desilting of D-7 Canal of Khour, Mr. Hanjura said that the matter will be taken up with the concerned department on priority; however, he appealed the farmers to cooperate with the concerned authorities.
Highlighting the achievements of the present Coalition Government headed by Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Mr. Hanjura said that Ladli Beti scheme, National Food Security Act recently passed by the Cabinet and introducing of Skill Development Programme in educational institutions are important welfare programmes .MLA, Dr. Krishan demanded establishment of more Procurement Centers and stressed for proper marketing of paddy and basmati.