“Government aims for the state to be agriculturally self-dependent” this was stated by Minster for Agriculture, Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura today during an interaction with farmers at Jathi village of Assar Block in Doda District.During the interactive session, farmers highlighted various demands including a special package for vegetable producing Jathi- Assar belt of the area. They asked for Minister’s intervention in permanent restoration of Kandi Nallah to Jathi canal, restoration of spots vulnerable to landslides, subsidy in diesel for diesel operated ploughs and timely supply of seeds and manure by the department.During the interaction farmers also highlighted the need for a fruit/vegetable mandi along with cold storage facility for the area as it produces various vegetables including Maize, knoll khol, cabbage , cauliflower , radish , fresh beans etc which are supplied across the state.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the agricultural output depends upon technological advancements and awareness level of farmers. He added that in order to educate farmers the Government has been organizing Kissan Melas across the state. “Agriculture is the backbone of our economy as major portion of our population directly or indirectly derives its livelihood from it and we are taking various steps to bring revolution in this sector” said the Minister. He assured all cooperation on part of the department and directed Chief Agriculture Officer, Doda to include all areas under Pradahan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana which are devoid of irrigation facilities.Mr Hanjura further informed that the Government is in process of developing a chain of cold storages from the field to market level so that best remunerative prices are assured to the producers who face wrath of the middlemen.
Meanwhile, the Minister also asked the people to avail benefits of the schemes under agriculture and allied departments, and asked Director Sericulture to conduct an awareness campaign about such schemes in the area.The Minister, also appealed the farmers for diversification of crops and diversion from conventional farming to nonconventional and demand based farming like mushroom cultivation.He also distributed soil health cards among the progressive farmers, on the occasion.Director Agriculture Jammu Mr S.S Jamwal,SSP Doda Mr Z.N Manhas, Director Sericulture Jammu , Director Command area Jammu, Chief Agriculture Officer Doda Mr H.K Razdan among other District Officers were present on the occasion.