KATHUA, OCTOBER 14: A one-day workshop on Alternate Agriculture System under Project 16 of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) was organised today at the office of the Chief Agriculture Officer Kathua. The Workshop aimed to promote alternate farming practices and sensitise farmers about government support initiatives.
Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma attended the workshop as the Chief Guest and inspected stalls set up by the Agriculture and Allied Departments, showcasing modern agricultural machinery and government initiatives.
Addressing the gathering, the DC emphasised crop diversification and adoption of modern farming practices to enhance farmers’ income. Highlighting the potential of high-value crops such as strawberries and dragon fruit, he urged farmers, particularly those from Bani, Basohli, Billawar and the Kandi belt, to explore alternate farming options suited to local agro-climatic conditions.
He encouraged youth to explore agriculture and allied activities as viable livelihood opportunities and directed the Agriculture and Allied Departments to strengthen grassroots awareness about government schemes to ensure that eligible farmers benefit from various initiatives. He also highlighted the importance of Soil Health Cards in promoting balanced fertiliser use and scientific farming.
The DC congratulated the Agriculture Department for organising the workshop and stressed that the effectiveness of such initiatives should be reflected in their implementation on the ground and tangible benefits to farmers.
The DC distributed Soil Health Cards among five farmers whose soil samples had been tested at the Soil Testing Laboratory, Chief Agriculture Office, Kathua. The beneficiaries included Chaman Lal Sharma, Devinder Singh Jasrotia, Mahender Nath Sharma, Rita Devi and Anjana Devi.
Earlier, Chief Agriculture Officer Jatinder Kumar Khajuria briefed the participants about the implementation of Project 16, informing that seven clusters are working for farmers’ welfare. He also highlighted the establishment of 92 vermicompost units and two commercial vermicompost plants, besides Farm Field Schools to promote scientific farming practices.
District Agriculture Officer (Extension) Raj Singh and Head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Dr. Vishal Mahajan also spoke about modern agricultural techniques, crop diversification and government schemes for farmers.
District Agriculture Officer Murari Digra presented the vote of thanks. Chief Horticulture Officer Ashwani Sharma, Assistant Director Fisheries Pawan Paul Sharma and other officers and officials of the concerned departments were also present.
