The Agriculture Department Jammu today organised a Training-cum-Capacity Building Programme for Youth Club members and Krishi Udhaymis under the Yuva Vani 2.0. The Campaign sought to sensitize the youth about the Jammu and Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP).
The event was held at Baba Jitto Kisan Kendra, Talab Tillo, Jammu. Member of Legislative Assembly Jammu North, Sham Lal Sharma was the Chief Guest. He formally inaugurated the programme in the presence of Member Legislative Assembly Jammu West, Arvind Gupta and Director Agriculture Jammu, Anil Gupta-the Guests of Honour.
The programme focused on the key components of JKCIP, including climate-smart and market-led production with special emphasis on climate-resilient agriculture, water management, agri-business ecosystem development, and support to vulnerable communities, particularly pastoralists.
More than 200 participants including Krishi Udhaymis, Youth Club members, agripreneurs and progressive farmers, actively participated in the training. In his address, Sham Lal Sharma emphasised that the Government of India, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has placed youth at the centre of development through youth-centric schemes, youth clubs and start-up initiatives.
He stated that programmes like Yuva Vani and JKCIP are aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of empowering young entrepreneurs, promoting start-ups in agriculture and allied sectors and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities in rural areas.
He encouraged youth to actively participate in such initiatives and become job creators rather than job seekers by adopting modern, climate-resilient and market-oriented agricultural practices. MLA Jammu West, Arvind Gupta highlighted the importance of developing a strong agri-business ecosystem and assured full support for initiatives aimed at strengthening farmers and youth-led enterprises.
Director Agriculture Jammu, Anil Gupta, underscored the significance of climate-smart agriculture, efficient water use and robust market linkages, stating that JKCIP is a flagship initiative for building resilience and competitiveness in the agriculture sector.
Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Chief Agriculture Officer, Manohar Lal Sharma, organiser of the programme. He highlighted the objectives of the programme and stressed the role of youth in transforming the agriculture sector through innovation and entrepreneurship.
Expert lectures were delivered by Dr. Punit Choudhary, Chief Scientist & Head KVK Jammu. He spoke on scientific and climate-resilient agricultural practices and Dr. Gayatri Tandon from Sarveshwar Foods, who shared valuable insights on agri-business development and organic certification.
The programme was attended by Joint Director Agriculture (SLUB/Farms), Aman Jyoti Sharma; Chief Agriculture Officer Jammu, Manohar Lal Sharma; DAO Extension, Vinod Kumar Khajuria; SDAO Marh, Khalid Hassan; SDAO R.S. Pura, Arun Jaral; SDAO Akhnoor, Rajan Sharma along with SMSs, AEOs, JAEOs, AEAs and staff under the Chief Agriculture Office Jammu.
The event concluded with an interactive session, motivating youth and Krishi Udhaymis to adopt innovative, climate-resilient and market-led agricultural practices for sustainable income generation and entrepreneurship.