Chief Secretary Inaugurates Mega Kisan Mela, Distributes Tractors to Farmers to Boost Agricultural Growth

In a significant step towards fostering agricultural development in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo inaugurated a Divisional Level Mega Kisan Mela organized by the Agriculture & Farm Welfare Department under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP). The event, held at the Agriculture Complex Lal Mandi, saw the participation of key dignitaries, including Vice Chancellor SKUAST Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, and Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Mohammad Aijaz Asad, among others.

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo underscored the pivotal role of HADP in advancing the overall development of agriculture and allied sectors in the region. He emphasized that the 29 projects under HADP would act as a game-changer, propelling economic growth and fostering a sustainable agricultural ecosystem.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo highlighted the program's objective of empowering farmers with knowledge and tools to enhance productivity, profitability, and contribute to the overall growth of the agriculture sector. He stressed the importance of coordination among farmers, the Agriculture Department, and SKUAST to identify and address the needs of farmers, ensuring innovative measures for a sustainable agriculture ecosystem.

Also Read: Kisan Samman Diwas: CM Yogi to Gift Tractors to 93 Farmers & Hand Over Keys to 51 Farmers Personally on Dec 23

Atal Dulloo urged educated youth to actively participate in and benefit from the schemes under HADP to increase production and income in the agriculture sector. During the Mega Kisan Mela, he distributed sanction letters to farmers from all 10 districts of the Kashmir valley under HADP and other centrally sponsored schemes.

The highlight of the event was the distribution of keys to tractors to farmers under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme, Sub Mission Agriculture Mechanization (SMAM). This initiative aims to mechanize farming operations, easing the burden on farmers and enhancing overall productivity.

Also Read: ICSTA 2023 Unveils Cutting-Edge Innovations for Agriculture, From Robotic Apple Harvesters to AI-Powered Poultry IoT Solutions

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo also e-inaugurated various projects under HADP, including Hi-Tech Polyhouse Aripath (Vegetable Garden) in Anantnag, Medicinal & Aromatic Germplasm Centre Projects in Anantnag and Uri, and Deep Bore wells in Anantnag, among others.

The Mega Kisan Mela showcased a variety of products and technologies in agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, agro-forestry, agri-engineering, and related fields. The exhibition provided a platform for farmers to interact with experts and learn about the latest farm technologies.

In addition to the tractor distribution, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo released a Training Manual on Scientific Beekeeping, emphasizing the holistic approach to agriculture and the importance of diversification for sustainable growth. The event concluded with a renewed commitment from the government and stakeholders to uplift the agricultural sector and improve the socio-economic conditions of farmers in the region.

Also Read: Punjab Announces to Solarise 20,000 Agriculture Pumps