Dr. Sagar Doifode Dattatray, Special Secretary, Agriculture Production Department (APD) and Mission Director, Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), today chaired a review meeting at Dak Bungalow Baramulla to assess the performance and progress of Agriculture Production and Allied Departments in the district.
Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, SF Hamid, along with officers from Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry, Fisheries, Sericulture and other allied departments attended the meeting. During the meeting, Dr. Dattatray reviewed the implementation and progress of various flagship schemes and programmes being executed under the Agriculture Production and Allied sectors.
He emphasized the need for effective coordination among departments, timely achievement of targets and greater outreach to farmers for maximizing the benefits of government initiatives. The Deputy Commissioner briefed the chair about the district's performance under various agricultural and allied sector programmes and highlighted the measures being undertaken to strengthen service delivery and enhance farmer welfare.
Dr. Dattatray stressed the need to ensure that all Krishi Khidmat Ghars (KKGs) are fully functional and effectively cater to the needs of the farming community. He directed the concerned officers to strengthen farmer outreach and improve the delivery of agricultural services and advisory support through these centres.
Reviewing mushroom cultivation activities, he directed officers to create awareness among mushroom growers regarding scientific packaging, branding, marketing opportunities and various support mechanisms available under government schemes. He also emphasized the introduction and promotion of additional high-value mushroom varieties to help farmers diversify cultivation and enhance their income.
The Special Secretary further stressed the promotion of micro-irrigation systems and polyhouse cultivation across the district to improve water-use efficiency, increase productivity and facilitate year-round cultivation. He directed the concerned departments to encourage farmers to avail benefits under relevant schemes and ensure wider adoption of modern agricultural technologies.
The meeting concluded with directions to all departments to expedite implementation of ongoing projects and work in a coordinated manner to achieve the objectives of sustainable agricultural growth and improved livelihoods for farmers across the district.