Boosting Protected Cultivation: Director Agriculture Reviews High-Tech HADP Polyhouse Project in Majalta
MAJALTA (UDHAMPUR), MARCH 29 — In a major push toward modernizing the region’s farming landscape, Director Agriculture Jammu, Anil Gupta, conducted an extensive field visit to Majalta on Sunday to review the progress of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP).
Accompanied by a team of senior officials, including Joint Director (Extension) Sanjay Anand and CAO Udhampur Harbans Singh, the Director inspected a state-of-the-art Hi-Tech Polyhouse established under Project No. 3 of the HADP.
This 500-square-meter facility, set up by local beneficiary Archna Gupta in Village Paldai, features approximately 1,200 grow bags and is currently optimized for the specialized cultivation of seedless cucumbers, marking a shift toward high-value, climate-resilient farming in the district.
During his interaction with the beneficiary and departmental field functionaries, Director Anil Gupta highlighted the transformative potential of protected cultivation in doubling farmers’ incomes and ensuring a steady, year-round supply of premium crops.
He described the HADP as a flagship initiative designed to overhaul the agricultural sector in Jammu and Kashmir through technological adoption, crop diversification, and value addition.
Assuring farmers of continued technical and logistical support, he urged the rural community to leverage such government schemes to transition from traditional methods to high-yield, technology-driven enterprises.
The visit also included the Director’s participation in a Kisan Mela held at the Narsingh Sewa Kendra in Village Khoon. After inspecting various agricultural stalls showcasing the latest seeds, machinery, and organic inputs, he lauded the efforts of the department in bringing modern farming innovations directly to the doorsteps of farmers.
These outreach programs are seen as a critical component of the state’s strategy to foster a self-reliant agricultural economy by empowering local growers with the tools and knowledge necessary for competitive, large-scale production.