GANDERBAL: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Shyambir on Wednesday conducted an extensive tour of the district to inspect various agricultural and allied sector projects approved under the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP).
The tour included inspections of multiple sites aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and supporting agri-preneurs throughout Ganderbal.
The DC was accompanied by senior officials, including Chief Horticulture Officer, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Assistant Director Fisheries, District Sheep Animal Husbandry Officer and other concerned officials.
Among the projects inspected were Kissan Khidmat Ghar at Tullamulla, Farm Machinery Bank at Zazna, Custom Hiring Centre at Zazna, Rural Business Service, Borewell at Batwina, Mother Orchard at Batwina, Vertical Extension High Tech Poly House at Dab and Patishallabugh, Trout Raceways at Malshahibagh, Satellite Heifer Units, and Hydroponic Unit Dignibal at Rangil.
During his visit to Kissan Khidmat Ghar at Tullamulla, the DC was briefed on the advanced facilities available at the center, which delivers a comprehensive range of agricultural services to farmers in an efficient and user-friendly manner.
The DC instructed the unit holder to maintain a detailed register of beneficiaries availing services at the center for better tracking and support.
At the Farm Machinery Bank, Custom Hiring Centre, and Rural Business Service at Zazna Wakura, the DC reviewed the services offered to local farmers and directed that clear rate lists for machinery and services be displayed prominently to aid in transparency and convenience.
While interacting with beneficiaries, the DC emphasized the transformative purpose of HADP, which aims to reshape the agricultural economy of Jammu and Kashmir and unlock new potential within the district.
Further, the DC directed agricultural and allied sector officers to ensure daily entries in the registers at these centers, in addition to obtaining licenses for the sale of pesticides and fertilizers as needed.
During inspections of the Hi-Tech Poly houses in Dab and Patishallabugh, the DC was informed that these facilities focus on promoting high-quality vegetable cultivation, including exotic varieties, which could significantly enhance farmers’ incomes by tapping into demand in high-end markets. These projects support open hi-tech projected cultivation methods to boost productivity and economic upliftment for farmers and agripreneurs.
Expressing satisfaction with the progress under HADP, the DC directed the involved departments to engage more farmers under the scheme to maximize its impact. He highlighted the importance of a holistic approach to agricultural development that addresses the unique challenges facing the farming community in Ganderbal.