JAMMU, DECEMBER 13: Department of Horticulture Jammu organized an awareness programme at panchayat Gurha Jagir of block Akhnoor under the chairmanship of Director Horticulture Jammu, Chaman Lal Sharma.
The Director was accompanied by Chief Horticulture Officer Jammu, Rakesh Kotwal, DLSMS Sandeep Gupta and HDO Akhnoor Varinder Sharma and HDO Khour Amit Saraf.
The event saw a large number of participants, with a notable presence of unemployed youth, underscoring the community’s keen interest in agricultural development.
The Director briefed about the various centrally and UT-sponsored schemes available to farmers, with a special focus on the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP). He elaborated in detail on the benefits these schemes offer, particularly to unemployed youth and women farmers. By setting up small-scale fruit processing units and forming self-help groups, farmers can achieve self-reliance and create employment opportunities within their communities.
He also stressed the importance of these initiatives in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing the economic stability of farmers. “The HADP is designed to provide comprehensive support, enabling farmers to harness modern techniques and resources for better productivity and profitability,” he said. Being a kandi belt, he urged the farmers of the area to come forward and avail the benefits of different schemes for creation of irrigation sources so that they can enhance their farm production.
Further, during the programme, the Director handed over sanction letters of Tractors, Drip Irrigation System, Irrigation pumps etc to the beneficiaries under HADP (Farm Mechanization & Automation).
Earlier, Chief Horticulture Officer Jammu, Rakesh Kotwal welcomed the Director and briefed about the status of different schemes being implemented in the area. He also expressed gratitude to all participants for their participation in large numbers and affirmed the department’s commitment to supporting the farming community.
Progressive fruit growers also shared their experiences regarding the benefits of the departmental schemes, particularly HADP and convey thanks to the department for organising such programmes.
