JAMMU, FEBRUARY 11: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the three-day Agriculture Summit and Kisan Mela at SKUAST-Jammu today, underscoring that an ‘Agriculture First’ policy is the cornerstone of a Developed India and a self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a gathering of scientists, experts, and farmers, he described the agriculture and allied sectors as the ultimate “insurance policy” for any developing nation, noting that despite global economic uncertainties and climate change, these sectors remain the primary drivers of stability and prosperity.
The Lieutenant Governor advocated for a technological revolution, specifically calling for AI-powered advanced agriculture to support small and marginal farmers. He directed officials and SKUAST experts to deploy IoT sensors and satellite imagery to create “digital farm twins,” a move designed to enable precision irrigation and reduce water consumption by up to 60%.
By building farmer-centric AI tools, the administration aims to increase crop yields by 15-30% while slashing input costs by half, providing farmers with real-time data on soil health and nutrient requirements.Emphasizing sustainability, the Lieutenant Governor urged the establishment of village-level seed banks stocked with climate-resilient local varieties and the creation of circular farming models.
These models would transform crop waste into high-protein animal feed and organic fertilizer, eliminating the need for external inputs and boosting soil health on-site. He stressed that technological progress and agricultural development must go hand-in-hand, as technology creates opportunities while agriculture ensures survival and national resilience.
To further empower the farming community, the Lieutenant Governor called for the expansion of processing facilities across all 20 districts of the UT. He highlighted the need to connect Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) directly with consumers to eliminate middlemen and ensure farmers capture the full value of their products.
Addressing concerns over recent trade agreements, he reassured the community that the Government of India remains committed to safeguarding farmers’ interests through robust protective measures.
During the event, he also launched the Crop Cultivation Scheme and inaugurated several new facilities, including the Bayer Learning Centre and a Pesticide Quality Control Laboratory.
