To salute the multidimensional contribution of women in agriculture, a programme was organized by the Directorate of Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare, Jammu here at Baba Jitto, Kisan Kendra, Jammu to mark the commemoration of “Mahila Kisan Diwas”.
Director AP & FW, Jammu, K. K. Sharma was the chief Guest on the occasion. A ceremonial lamp was lit by the Director and other senior officers to mark the opening of the programme which was attended by a good number of women farmers. A series of events were held on the occasion.
In his keynote address, the Director Agriculture revealed that this year Mahila Kisan Diwas is being celebrated with the theme of “Millets Empowering Women and Providing Nutritional Security.”
He stated that women farmers and women Self Help Groups (SHGs) play an important role in agriculture development with their significant contribution to boost the rural economy. He further talked about physical and mental well being of women farmers and highlighted the importance of cultivation and health benefits of Millets (Nutri Cereals) for human health.
The Director also highlighted that provision of value addition of agri produce at village level provides encouraging opportunities for women farmers to uplift the rural income.Joint Director (Inputs), Joint Director (Extension), Joint Director (Apiculture & Mushroom), Agronomist (Vegetables), Training Officer conducted the technical season.
They deliberated on the topics like importance of cultivation of Millets, production of quality foods, Vegetable Improvement Scheme, Agri entrepreneurship and various farmers’ welfare schemes.
Later, another programme was organised by the Dairy Farmers Association at Krishi Bhawan, Talab Tillo, Jammu wherein all issues regarding dairy sector were discussed in detail.The Director Agriculture assured the dairy farmers of all possible help by the department including availability of quality seed for round the year green fodder production.
He advised the dairy farmers to have at least 3 months fodder stock for meeting the requirement of lean season and contingent plan through silage making.Meanwhile, the Director Agriculture also participated in the concluding function of a training programme organized by Indian Social Responsibility Network-Cluster Based Business Organization at Trikuta Yatri Bhawan, Jammu.
The intent of the training included Basics of Farmers Producers Organization (FPOs) formation, Legal compliance of FPOS, future road map and Business plan for FPOs. Joint Director Agriculture (Marketing), Mahesh Verma, Assistant Director, HPM, Tehseen Chib besides others were present on the occasion.