Mission Director HADP Sandeep Kumar today said that wide ranging interventions have been introduced to boost Horticulture and Agriculture production in Bhaderwah including the Rajma - a specialty crop of the region. He was speaking to farmers after inspecting the Agri-Horti Service Centre established by the Horticulture department under JKCIP here at Village Sartingal.
Besides, he also interacted with the members of Farmers Producer Organisation-Bhaderkashi Fruits Producer Company Limited operating in the area. The Mission Director was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Doda Harvinder Singh; Director Horticulture Jammu Gul Syed; Additional Deputy Commissioner Bhaderwah, Sunil Bhutyal; Chief Agriculture Officer Amjad Hussain Malik and other district and sub-divisional officers.
During the visit, the Mission Director, along with the Deputy Commissioner and other officials reviewed the ongoing initiatives aimed at upgrading cultivation techniques, improving seed quality and promoting value addition of Bhaderwahi Rajma.
Detailed discussions were held on strengthening infrastructure, enhancing post-harvest management and developing robust market linkages to ensure better returns and sustainable income for local farmers. The DDC and Mission Director emphasized the importance of horticulture development in Bhaderwah, citing its potential to boost the local economy.
Interacting with members of the Bhaderkashi Fruits Producer Company, the Mission Director assured them of full technical support from the Government. He directed the Chief Agriculture Officer and concerned sub-divisional officers to ensure structured and comprehensive training for FPO members in modern farming practices, processing techniques, quality control, packaging, branding and marketing strategies.
The Mission Director emphasized the importance of collective farming, adoption of modern processing methods and capacity building to position Bhaderwahi Rajma as a high-value agricultural product at the UT and national levels.
Later, the officers visited the Mother Block established under HADP at Seri. They interacted with beneficiaries, including local farmers and horticulturists and assured them that the area will be developed with respect to all agri-horti sectors.