RAMBAN, OCTOBER 5: To empower farmers and promote innovation in the agriculture sector, Member Legislative Assembly Ramban Arjun Singh Raju today flagged off a group of farmers to a five-day exposure visit outside the Union Territory under the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) scheme.
The event was held in the presence of Chief Agriculture Officer Dr. Vinay Kumar Jandial and District Agriculture Officer Kuldeep Bassan.
The group of progressive farmers from Ramban district would visit CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Palampur and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kangra, where they will also interact with progressive farmers of the region.
The visit aims to provide participants with practical exposure to modern agricultural practices, organic and natural farming methods, innovative agribusiness models and advanced technologies.
Speaking on the occasion, the MLA appreciated the efforts of the Agriculture Department for organizing such capacity-building programs, emphasizing their importance in expanding farmers’ knowledge horizons.
He said such visits enable farmers to learn directly from successful practitioners and institutions that have implemented modern cultivation methods effectively. He expressed hope that the participating farmers would act as catalysts of change by sharing their learnings with the wider farming community of Ramban district.
This initiative reflects the Government’s continued commitment to empowering farmers through knowledge, training and capacity-building, ensuring that agriculture remains the backbone of Ramban’s rural economy, he added.
Meanwhile, the Chief Agriculture Officer highlighted that the department remains committed to promoting sustainable agriculture and achieving the goal of doubling farmers’ income through innovation and technology adoption. He informed that the visit will not only introduce farmers to scientific advancements and research but will also motivate them to adopt integrated farming systems, high-value crops and improved post-harvest management practices.
He added that the ATMA program provides a valuable platform for farmers to gain field-level exposure, ultimately leading to enhanced productivity, better resource management and improved livelihood opportunities.
