Jammu- Asserting that agriculture and farmers remain top priority of his government, the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha said on Thursday that in last two years his administration has created an enabling environment for transforming agriculture & allied Sectors in order to increase farmer income, ensure food security & accelerate Jammu and Kashmir’s economic growth.
The LG made these remarks while inaugurating the Kisan Mela organised by SKUAST Jammu at the Baba Jitto auditorium of the University, here on Thursday, an official spokesperson said.
Addressing the gathering of farmers and agriculturists from around the country, Sinha said that the five-day assembly of farmers, industry, entrepreneurs, experts will help in developing linkages between various stakeholders to benefit the farming community.
“Kisan Mela will showcase and deliberate upon the theme of diversification in agriculture which is not only important for assured income to our farming community but also in making agriculture systems more sustainable in the future,” the LG said.
Underscoring that agriculture and farmers remain the top priority of the government, the LG said that in last two years, an enabling environment has been created for transforming agri & allied sectors in order to increase farmer income, ensure food security and accelerate UT’s economic growth.
Appreciating the Apex Committee for formulating a future strategy for small and medium-sized farms to ensure access to more profitable markets with reduced cost of farm inputs, Sinha said the holistic development is aimed at IT interventions, infusion of capital, value addition, processing, branding & marketing of agricultural produce supported by agri-business innovations to create employment.
“Prime Minister has assured all possible cooperation and support from the Central Government in implementing the recommendations and projects proposed by the Apex Committee,” he added.
On the occasion, the LG initiated the functioning of the Krishi Vigyan Kendras of Ramban and Kishtwar districts, virtually.
“With the operationalization of Krishi Vigyan Kendras at Ramban and Kishtwar today, all districts of Jammu Division now have functional KVKs dedicated towards conducting quality research and ensuring extension services,” the LG said.
He said that the admin’s integrated approach with the focus on efficient use of bio-resources for food, feed and industry will be able to tackle challenges arising out of globalization and climate change.
“We are determined to transform subsistence agriculture into sustainable commercial agriculture economy with emphasis on ecosystem services and restoration & sustainable utilization of biodiversity,” Sinha added.