JAMMU, MAY 15: Mission Director Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) Sandeep Kumar conducted a comprehensive tour of the Marh area to assess the on-ground progress of multiple agricultural initiatives under the flagship programme. He was accompanied by Director Agriculture Jammu Arvinder Singh Reen; Joint Director Animal Husbandry Jammu, Chief Agriculture Officer Jammu, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer Jammu, Livestock Development Officer, SMS-DL, SDAO and field staff.
The visit aimed to evaluate the transformational impact of HADP initiatives designed to modernize agriculture and uplift the livelihoods of farmers across the district. The tour commenced with a briefing from Director Agriculture Jammu, who presented an overview of ongoing developmental projects in the region.
During the field inspection, the Mission Director visited several key project sites with a strong emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. A highlight of the tour was the inspection of a High-Tech Polyhouse under HADP of Beneficiary Kamla Devi of village Baba Talab, Gurha Singhu, enabling controlled-environment agriculture for improved crop yields while minimizing risks from adverse weather conditions.
The delegation also visited the Commercial Vermicompost unit of Manmeet Singh of Village Chatha Gujran, a vital step towards encouraging organic farming and enhancing soil fertility through eco-friendly practices.
Mission Director also visited Akhil Mushroom Farm to inspect Controlled Conditioned Cropping Unit of Bal Krishan of Gurha Singhu and Controlled Conditioned Cropping Unit of Rahul Sharma of village Flora Nagbani, under HADP Project No. 10 (Promotion of Mushroom Cultivation). Sandeep Kumar reviewed its operations and underscored the potential of mushroom farming as a sustainable and profitable livelihood option for rural communities.
The tour also encompassed an evaluation of Dairy Development initiatives under HADP. The Mission Director interacted directly with dairy farmers in Village Marh and inspected operational units aimed at improving milk production and rural income.
Expressing his satisfaction with the progress, Sandeep Kumar stated that the programme is not only advancing scientific agriculture and improving farmers’ incomes, but also emerging as a powerful driver of rural employment. He emphasized that HADP is opening up new avenues in farming, agri-business, and allied sectors, particularly for youth and women, who are being actively encouraged and equipped with skills to adopt agriculture as a sustainable and dignified means of livelihood.
Director Agriculture Jammu, Arvinder Singh Reen highlighted the broader socio-economic impact of HADP, stating that the HADP is making a significant difference in the lives of our farmers. By focusing on sustainable and innovative agricultural practices, we are not only enhancing their income and livelihoods but also ensuring these benefits reach the most deserving sections of our rural community.
The positive feedback from farmers during this visit reinforces the value of these initiatives in empowering local agriculture.
