A mega Kissan Mela cum Exhibition was organised at Subash Park in Kishtwar under the supervision of Chief Agriculture Officer Kishtwar Amjad Hussain Mallik today.
The event was attended by more than 400 farmers and was graced by Deputy Commissioner Dr Devansh Yadav, SSP Kishtwar Khalil Ahmed Poswal, President of Municipal Council Sajjad Ahmed Najjar and other officials.
Stalls were set up to display various achievements, technologies and machinery available for farmers to adopt in order to enhance their income and livelihood. Chief Guest Dr Yadav praised the efforts of the Department of Agriculture and directed them to identify around 200 vacant school buildings to meet infrastructure requirements.
He also stressed the need for more interactions and public awareness programmes. The DC presented power-tillers on 50% subsidy to five farmers and all participating farmers were provided with mini-kits containing agricultural tools and vegetable seeds.
SSP Kishtwar encouraged farmers to adopt innovative farming models such as vertical and mixed farming. He also stressed the importance of self-reliance and not relying on government subsidies.
Other speakers informed participants about new technology avenues for enhancing income such as apiculture, mushroom production, vegetable cultivation, hi-tech poly houses and poly tunnels, vermi-composting, millet production and value addition.
Officers from allied departments including Animal Husbandry, Horticulture and Fisheries briefed participants about various schemes, activities and innovations.