JAMMU, DECEMBER 27: In a significant move to modernize the local farming landscape, the Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development, and Panchayati Raj, Javid Ahmad Dar, officially inaugurated a mega Kisan Mela in Bishnah today.
Jointly organized by the J&K Kisan Advisory Board and the Directorate of Agriculture, Jammu, the event served as a high-impact platform designed to bring government services, technological advancements, and departmental expertise directly to the doorsteps of the farming community.
During his keynote address, Minister Dar emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to making agriculture a sustainable and lucrative profession. Acknowledging the mounting pressures of climate change and global warming, he urged farmers to diversify their practices by shifting from traditional cropping to high-value cash crops and horticulture.
To support this transition, Dar highlighted that the department is not only providing specialized skill training to the youth but also offering substantial financial incentives, including subsidies exceeding 50 percent on various agricultural schemes.
The event also featured insights from MLA Bishnah, Dr. Rajeev Bhagat, who underscored the importance of transparency in the supply chain. He noted that a primary objective of the current administration is to eliminate middlemen, ensuring that farmers receive the full market value for their produce.
Under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), Dr. Bhagat reaffirmed that small and marginal farmers remain the top priority for resource allocation.The mela was enriched by a vibrant “Nukkad Natak” (street play) that simplified complex financial assistance processes for the attendees.
Senior officials, including DDC members and Directors from the Horticulture and Sheep Husbandry departments, joined a large gathering of local farmers to discuss the future of rural development. This interactive fair successfully bridged the gap between policymakers and practitioners, fostering a collaborative environment for Jammu’s agricultural evolution.
