Minister for Agriculture Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura today conducted filed visit in R S Pura areas and inspected the status of standing maize and paddy crops.The Minister visited Mohanpur and Majua Uttami villages and held detailed interaction with the farmers.The Minister inspected the maize crop fields cultivated by the cooperative group of farmers led by Rajinder Prashad. He applauded the efforts put in by the farmers for organic production of Maize.It is for the first time that the Maize Deklab 1608 has been introduced in this area and cultivated over an area of 120 kanal by using only organic fertilizer.The Minister directed field functionaries to reach out to the farmers to spread awareness regarding various welfare schemes meant for farmers and educate them about the modern crop production technologies.During the interaction with the farmers, the Minister asked them to adopt multiple crop pattern by using integrated farming techniques to increase their farm income.He asked the farmers to adopt the low cost high value organic crop cultivation on sustainable basis without compromising soil health.He further advised the farmers to avail various schemes launched by the centre and the state governments for their benefit.He also informed the farmers about Chief Minister Development Projects initiated for the betterment of the farmers of the R.S Pura and the adjoining regions.“The Agriculture department has launched two Basmati Rice Cluster projects for promotion of traditional local rice over an area of 570 hectare and intensive cultivation of Export oriented Basmati over an area of 600 Hectare in Suchetgarh and R S Pura constituencies, respectively” the Minister informed.The Minister assured the farmers that all their grievances and demands will be taken into consideration by the government and positive measures will be adopted to resolve the same.The progressive farmers of the area appreciated the initiatives taken by the Agriculture Department under the dynamic leadership of the Minister Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura, who is on the forefront to change the agricultural scenario in the state.Director Agriculture Jammu, H.K.Razdan, Director Extension SKUAST-J, Dr.K.S Risam, Chief Agriculture Officer, R.L Bhagat and other senior officers of the department and Scientists of SKUAST-J also accompanied the minister during his visit.