POONCH, APRIL 18: Director Agriculture Jammu, Anil Gupta, conducted a comprehensive two-day tour of District Poonch to assess the on-ground implementation of various agricultural initiatives and to interact directly with farmers and stakeholders. He was accompanied by Joint Director Agriculture (Extension) Sanjay Anand and Chief Agriculture Officer (CAO) Poonch, Yograj Singh Salathia along with other senior officers and field functionaries of the Agriculture Department.
During the visit, the Director inspected the Kisan Khidmat Ghar (KKG) at Panchayat Bhata Dhurian, where he interacted with Krishi Udhami Afzaal Naiem Khan. He reviewed the ongoing activities at the centre and took stock of the operational challenges being faced. SDAO Mendhar, Sanjeev Gupta along with AEO, JAEOs and AEAs of the concerned zone, were also present during the inspection and briefed the Director on the functioning of the KKG.
Subsequently, Director Agriculture held detailed interactions with local farmers to evaluate the outreach and effectiveness of various agriculture schemes. He enquired whether the intended benefits were reaching the farming community and attentively listened to their concerns, particularly those related to field-level constraints and productivity.
Continuing his tour, Anil Gupta visited Zone Chandak in District Poonch, where he inspected the fields of a progressive farmer, Ishtaq Ahmad. The farmer has successfully adopted the bower system for the cultivation of bitter gourd and bottle gourd, demonstrating an innovative and efficient approach to vegetable production.
The Director also inspected M/s Sumeet Seed and Fertilizer Store at Chandak, Poonch, where he reviewed the availability and distribution of fertilizers. He interacted with local farmers present at the outlet to obtain firsthand feedback regarding the supply and accessibility of essential inputs. Stressing the importance of uninterrupted availability, the Director directed the CAO to ensure that there is no disruption in fertilizer supply to farmers. He further warned that strict action must be taken against any dealer found indulging in malpractices.
Later, Director Agriculture visited the Mini Soil Testing Laboratory at Chandak established under HADP (Project No. 19). He conducted a detailed inspection of the facility and reviewed its functioning and service delivery.
Addressing the farmers, Anil Gupta highlighted the critical role of soil testing in sustainable agriculture and said scientific soil analysis is the foundation of balanced nutrient management. Strengthening soil testing infrastructure will empower farmers to make informed decisions, optimize input use and enhance soil health, thereby ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability.
