DODA, AUGUST 12: The Agriculture Production Department J&K, in collaboration with Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu, launched the Kisan Sampark Abhiyan in Doda district at Community Hall Bhaderwah under the Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project in J&K. The initiative began with Rural Credit Workshops aimed at improving farmers’ access to easy credit facilities, thereby boosting agricultural productivity, profitability and sustainability.
The inaugural programme was held at the Community Hall, Bhaderwah, under the leadership of Prof B N Tripathi, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Jammu, and Sandeep Kumar (IFS), Mission Director JKCIP.
The event was graced by Dhanater Singh Kotwal, Chairperson District Development Council Doda; Daleep Singh Parihar, Member Legislative Assembly; Roshan Lal, Additional District Development Commissioner Doda; Sunil Kumar Bhutyal, Additional Deputy Commissioner Bhaderwah; Dr Neeraj Kotwal, Chief Scientist KVK Doda; Amjad Malik, Chief Agriculture Officer; Ragu Nath Upadhaya, Chief Horticulture Officer; Dr Irfan Wani, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer; Dr Gurjeet Singh, District Sheep Husbandry Officer along with representatives from NABARD and J&K Bank.
Addressing the gathering, dignitaries encouraged farmers to take full advantage of government and central schemes under JKCIP to strengthen their agricultural ventures.
The inaugural workshop witnessed participation from over 300 farmers who received detailed guidance on credit facilities available through various schemes, including those promoting agri-niche crops, horticulture development, Farmer Producer Organisations, startup incubation and market linkages. Representatives from leading banks and financial institutions provided information on loan products, funding procedures and insurance coverage. Each participant also received a comprehensive brochure on JKCIP components, such as PMFBY, KCC, Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, HADP and others.
Under JKCIP, selected blocks in Doda will host multiple Rural Credit Workshops in the coming weeks to ensure farmers in all areas have access to resources, information and opportunities to enhance their livelihoods. The programme is jointly implemented by the International Fund for Agricultural Development and the Agriculture Production Department, Government of J&K, with the aim of improving competitiveness, sustainability and income opportunities for farmers and stakeholders across agriculture and allied sectors.
