Union Additional Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, P.K Swain, today visited Agriculture Complex Lalmandi and had a detailed review of agriculture schemes being implemented in Kashmir division.Speaking on the occasion, Union Additional Secretary highlighted the importance of multiple cropping system. He stressed the need to educate farmers regarding various farmer friendly schemes which have been devised to transform rural economy for sustenance and economic prosperity.Union Additional Secretary, said impetus is being given to increase farmers’ income for which formation of Farmer Interest Groups (FIGs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) is being ensured for economic prosperity of farmers by way of transforming agriculture into a remunerative venture and farmers into agri-entrepreneurs.He reiterated that the present policies of Government of India including formation of FPOs are best suited to UT of J&K as the region is endowed with variety of agriculture products with export potential with huge demand and relevance in national and international markets.
During the meeting, Director Agriculture Kashmir, Chowdhary Mohammad Iqbal, gave a detailed power point presentation regarding different programs being carried out by the department. He said that organic villages are being established in a systematic manner. He added that high end value vegetable crops including exotics are also being promoted and covered under a holistic approach.The meeting was attended by all Joint Directors, Chief Agriculture Officers, Area marketing Officers of JK Horticulture Planning and Marketing Department, district officers besides all Sub Divisional Agriculture Officers.Earlier, Union Additional Secretary visited Organic Vegetable Market at agriculture Complex Lalmandi.Speaking on the occasion, Additional Secretary said Kashmir valley having best agro climatic conditions for organic farming can increase employment opportunities for farmers as well as educated unemployed youth.He further said that Ministry of Agriculture GOI will provide all support and help for upliftment of overall agriculture sector in the valley.