SRINAGAR — JULY 13, 2026: In a major push toward agricultural modernization, the Department of Agriculture, Kashmir, organized a comprehensive one-day district-level workshop and exhibition under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) in Srinagar today. The event, which drew enthusiastic participation from farmers across the Qamerwari, Brain, and Harwan zones, focused on raising awareness about the various financial incentives, strategic interventions, and growth opportunities available under the scheme. Presided over by the Director of Agriculture Kashmir, Sartaj Ahmad Shah, alongside Chief Agriculture Officer Srinagar, Aijaz Hussain Dar, the workshop brought together senior departmental officers, technical experts, and field functionaries to bridge the gap between policy and practice.
During his keynote address, Director Sartaj Ahmad Shah underscored the agriculture sector’s immense potential to transform the rural economy and elevate farmer livelihoods. Highlighting MIDH as a flagship government initiative designed to promote scientific farming through financial assistance, infrastructure development, technology dissemination, and robust capacity building, he urged attendees to transition to innovative agricultural models. “Our objective is to empower farmers by connecting them with modern technologies and innovative agricultural practices,” Shah noted, emphasizing that the scheme provides critical support to boost productivity, improve crop quality, minimize post-harvest losses, and ultimately maximize farm income to build resilient, profitable enterprises.
Furthering the discussion on strategic execution, Chief Agriculture Officer Aijaz Hussain Dar delivered a detailed presentation on implementing MIDH through a cluster-based approach. He strongly encouraged the farming community to establish and strengthen Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs). By uniting under these collectives, Dar explained, local farmers can facilitate streamlined collective marketing, secure easier access to government support, and significantly enhance their bargaining power in highly competitive markets.