Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Hassan Mir along with Minister of State for Agriculture, Horticulture and Floriculture Nazir Ahmad Gurezi today inaugurated Mega Kisan Mela-cum-Exhibition organized by the department of Agriculture Production, Kashmir. at Lal Mandi Srinagar.Addressing the gathering, the Minister for Agriculture Mr. Mir impressed upon farmers to adopt latest modern technology and mechanization in agriculture sector to bring the cost of labour component down and yield good results in cultivation, helps the farming community to upliftment in their economy. He advised farmers to coordinate with agriculture department for successful implementation of farmer friendly schemes, and avail benefits from these schemes.
The Minister thanked the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, for granting saffron package to the State of Jammu and Kashmir.Referring to the achievements registered under establishment of kitchen gardens, Mr. Mir said that establishment of 3000 kitchen gardens have been fixed target for next financial year. He stressed for increase in production of Honey and asked the Agriculture to see the bottlenecks in this regard.
Mr. Mir further said that special thrust is to be given for cultivation of Maize during the year 2014.Minister of State for Animal & Sheep Husbandry, Mr. Gurezi emphasized on necessity of introducing the latest technology in all productive sectors like Agriculture, Horticulture, Sericulture and livestock with the view to increase the socio-economic conditions of the farming community. He said this is the only key source to ensure economic growth of the State in general and farming community in particular.
Gurezi said that several welfare schemes have been launched by the government for benefit of the farmers, adding that the government under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is committed for upliftment of the weaker sections. He said various incentives are being given to the farmers with the aim to upliftment their socio-economic condition.Interacting with the farmers and officers of the organizing Departments, the Ministers said that conducting such Melas will generally help in transferring technology at the gross root level to farmers. The Minister appealed the people to come forward and take benefit of the schemes launched by the Government under Agriculture and its allied sectors. He said need is to revive the Mushkibug and Kamra in the State and in this regard the Government has taken several steps to increase its production.
Vice Chancellor, SUKAST Mr. Tej Pratap also addressed the gathering and highlighted the latest innovative hi-byrid seeds.
The Director Agriculture Kashmir Mushtaq Peerzada also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the activities of the department. He appreciated the role of farmers in the upliftment of agriculture & allied sectors. He asked farmers to participate in Melas and Awareness Camps organized by the Department to remain updated with the latest technology and farm machinery. Later, Chief Agriculture Officer Srinagar presented vote of thanks.Among others, Director Command Area, Kashmir, Director Horticulture Kashmir, Director Enforcement, Director H&PM, Managing Director, Agro Industries, officers and field functionaries of the department, besides large number of farmers were present on these occasion.Farmers gave overwhelming response and interacted with the experts of the department on various issues related to modern technology and machinery. Various departments displayed latest agriculture machinery, equipment and other tools at their stalls.