JAMMU, DECEMBER 19: Director Agriculture Jammu Anil Gupta today inspected the progress of 27 Kanal Saffron Spice Park being developed at a cost of ₹22.30 crore at Pochhal.
The project has been envisaged to create a dedicated infrastructure for saffron processing, value addition, storage and marketing, thereby strengthening the saffron value chain in the district.
During the visit, the Director took stock of the project components and emphasized that the Spice Park will serve as a key facility for improving quality standards, branding and market access for Kishtwar saffron. He stressed timely execution of the project in accordance with the approved design and financial provisions to ensure that intended benefits reach the farming community.
Later, the Director Agriculture held a meeting with Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma. A detailed discussion was held on the Saffron Spice Park project and other ongoing agricultural activities in the district.
The meeting focused on inter-departmental coordination and expediting project-related processes to ensure smooth implementation on the ground.
The Director also visited Kisan Khidmat Ghar (KKG), Pochhal, where he interacted with Krishi Udhami Sumit Parihar and reviewed the functioning of the KKG.
The Director assessed the services being provided to farmers and discussed the issues and challenges being faced, assuring necessary support for strengthening extension delivery.
As part of his tour, Anil Gupta visited the low cost polyhouse of beneficiary Sushil Kumar established under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and reviewed the impact of protected cultivation interventions on farmers’ income.
Concluding the visit, the Director expressed satisfaction over the performance of the Agriculture Department in Kishtwar district and reiterated that focused implementation of infrastructure projects and farmer-centric schemes will significantly enhance livelihoods and ensure sustainable agricultural growth in the region.
