In a significant move towards the development of agriculture in the region, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag, SF. Hamid today chaired a District Level Committee on Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) at VC Hall of the DC office, here. At the outset, Chief agriculture Officer Ananatnag briefed the participants about the HADP and delivered PowerPoint Presentation covering the 20 projects of HADP pertaining to the Agriculture Department.
The DC exhorted that implementation of HADP is expected to transform the farm economy of Anantnag from subsistence to self-reliance and create equitable opportunities for livelihood, employment and market economy. Holistic approach for diversifying agricultural product portfolios will add value, create demand and guarantee employment.
The strategic climate and bio-resource diversity of Anantnag can be harnessed by enabling a policy support system that focuses on use of technology, knowledge and capital investment through promotion of secondary agriculture, value addition and processing, diversification, market linkages, capacity building and resilience of farming systems, he added.
The Holistic approach is in line with the policy of doubling farmers income that is based on four important pillars viz., sustainability of production, value for farm output, strengthening of extension services for outreach and building & enabling agriculture to operate as an enterprise.
The DC, while approving the Applications of 1907 applicants out of 3707 applications, stressed upon all sectoral officers of Agriculture and allied departments to speed up the completion of targets assigned under the HADP to the district.He stressed for close coordination with district administration for implementation of different initiatives at district level.
He also directed to reach out the farmers of far-flung areas and make them aware about the latest farmer technologies in the agriculture sector besides work in collaboration with the representatives of PRIs for the successful implementation of different schemes at grassroots level.
He expressed his commitment to the holistic development of agriculture in Anantnag District and urged all stakeholders, including farmers, to actively participate in the process.The DC was assured for dedication to achieving the outlined goals and working closely with the farming community to ensure the prosperity of agriculture in the region.