Department of Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare and Horticulture today held a meeting with IFFCO-Kisan Agritech to explore the possibility of long term partnership with such agencies to shape the biggest transformation in the farming sector by integrating technology across the agri value chain in J & K UT.The meeting was chaired by Director AP & FW, Jammu, K. K. Sharma here at Krishi Bhawan Jammu. Director Horticulture Jammu, Ram Savak was also present as special invitee.Speaking on the occasion, the Director Agriculture emphasised on adopting such latest technology in the public sector farms on experimental basis which can later be extended to farmer’s field. He enjoined upon the IFFCO-Kisan team to suggest the measures to transform the agriculture into smart farming right from sowing to marketing. He also sought suggestions on use of ICT technology in Integrated/Diversified farming and particularly in hassle free migration of Bee Colonies.
Director horticulture stressed that the said technology can be used initially on private horticultural farms and also to develop the strategy for marketing of walnuts, Amla and other fruit crops.Head, IFFCO-Kisan Agritech, Mourup Namgail said that they are looking forward to setting up a centre of excellence/ smart farming partnership with FPOs and cooperatives to drive capacity building among small and marginal farmers.The IFFCO Kisan Agritech Team threw light on latest technological interventions developed by them including remote sensing, hyperspectral imagery, digital profiling, and portable soil testing facilities which can help in providing high tech local solutions for farming related issues in J&K. The Team also shared its expertise in creating market linkages for marketing of local fruits and vegetables to other parts of the country.Those who attended the meeting included Joint Director (Inputs), A. S. Reen, Joint Director (Apiculture & Mushroom Development), Iqbal Singh, Joint Director (Marketing), Mahesh Verma, Agriculture Chemist, Subash Chander Sharma, Agronomist (Vegetables), J. C. Rina besides other senior officers from Agriculture and Horticulture Department.