KATHUA: In a significant move towards the development of agriculture in the region, the Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Minhas chaired a District Level Committee on Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) at the Conference Hall of the DC office complex here today.
At the outset, the DC took brief on the headway achieved in implementing all components of HADP projects being covered across the district by Agriculture and allied departments.
The meeting also conducted a draw-of-lot for selection of various applications received for different components of stakeholder departments under HADP. A total of 349 applications were approved by the committee including 28 applications for Sheep Husbandry schemes, 03 for Horticulture and 318 for Agricultural schemes respectively.
The DC, while approving the applications, stressed upon all sectoral officers of Agriculture and allied departments to speed up the completion of targets assigned under the HADP to the district.
While interacting with farmers, the DC said the district administration is committed to supporting farmers and ensuring their success. He called upon the need to take inspiration from progressive farmers to upscale their incomes by diversifying their earnings by adopting mix farming practices.
The DC said that the HADP initiative is a major step towards creating a sustainable and profitable agricultural ecosystem. The programme aims to empower farmers with knowledge and tools that can help them enhance their productivity and profitability while also contributing to the overall growth of the agriculture sector.
“The programme also provides a platform to the farmers to interact with experts from the Agriculture Department and seek their advice on various aspects of farming, such as crop selection, soil management, pest control, and irrigation methods”, he added.
The DC stressed upon the stakeholder departments for work in close coordination for implementation of different initiatives at district level. He also directed to reach out the farmers of far-flung areas and make them aware about the latest farmer technologies in the agriculture sector besides work in collaboration with the representatives of PRIs for the successful implementation of different schemes at grassroots level.
Regarding crop damage incidents reported in the district due to recent incessant rains, the DC passed directions to the revenue and agriculture department to access the damages and process the crop compensation cases.
CPO, ACD, CAO, CHO, CSHO, CAHO, DDM NABARD, Lead Bank Manager, AD Fisheries, Dy Registrar Cooperatives and other concerned officers attended the meeting.