Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo today inaugurated Kissan Mela cum Exhibition organised by Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Srinagar under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) at Darbagh Harwan.
Director Agriculture Kashmir, Sartaj Ahmad Shah, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mir Imtiyaz Ul Aziz, Chief Planning Officer Fayaz Ahmad Dar, Joint Director Mushroom, Idress Bashir Gafari, SDM East, Zubair Ahmad and other senior officials, besides local members of District Development Council were present on the occasion. .
After inaugurating the Mela, the Deputy Commissioner inspected stalls installed by the Department of Agriculture, Horticulture, Sericulture, Animal Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry, Fisheries, SKUAST-K Banks and large number of Agri entrepreneurs of District Srinagar.
Addressing the gathering of farmers, the DC highlighted several Government initiatives aimed at the welfare and socio-economic upliftment of the farming community. He urged officers to intensify outreach and educate farmers about flagship schemes, particularly HADP and JKCIP, ensuring that maximum benefits reach the ground.
The DC further emphasized the need for the Department to conduct similar exhibitions in other areas of District Srinagar, enabling farmers and unemployed youth to fully benefit from the credit-linked and subsidy-based schemes offered by the Government.
He also guaranteed fast-track processing of cases under HADP and JKCIP to ensure timely delivery of benefits. During the exhibition, the DC also handed over fish farming equipment to beneficiaries registered with the Fisheries Department.
On the occasion, Director Agriculture Kashmir launched the Dharti Mata Bachao Abhiyan, calling for wider adoption of organic and natural farming practices, alongside the use of advanced agricultural technologies, to enhance farmers’ income and promote sustainable agricultural growth.
During the event, the Deputy Commissioner and Director Agriculture also handed over sanction letters to HADP beneficiaries, marking another step towards supporting progressive farming initiatives in the district.
The event was also attended by Chief Horticulture Officer, Chief Animal Husbandry officer, District Sheep Husbandry Officer, Assistant Director Fisheries, Sr Scientist and experts form SKUAST-K, District Officers of Agriculture and allied departments, officers from Agro industries Corporation Ltd and a large gathering of farmers from district Srinagar.