Jammu, Jan 17: Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Hassan Mir today said that diverse cropping pattern was essential for economic security of farmers.
 The minister asked the farmers to adopt diverse cropping pattern and use modern farm techniques to attain economic security.
 The Minister was addressing the farmers after inaugurating Kissan cum Machinery Mela at Kissan Bhawan Talb Tiloo here this afternoon. Minister for Horticulture, Housing and Culture,   Raman Bhalla was also present.
 The Minister said that introduction of globally accepted agri techniques, farm machinery and promotion of diversified cropping system was the priority of the government to make the agriculture as profitable activity.
 He said in this direction, the farmers are being acquainted through Kissan cum machinery malas about the far reaching benefits of these techniques for enhancement of   agriculture produce, besides providing them better market linkages for better returns.
 He said with launching of massive awareness about these schemes and programmes, the farmers are switching over to   new farm machinery, hybrid seeds, organic farming and other agriculture inputs for better produce.
 Mir said that the government was also envisaging introduction of Data management technology for farmers to provide them round the clock information on area specific basis, an official statement.
 Referring the steps taken  for bringing back the department on track,  the Minister said that the distribution of seed  and fertilizers   among the farmers of  J&K has been streamlined , while due care was being taken to ensure that the benefits of state and centrally sponsored schemes reach to the farmers at grass root level.
 To save the farmers from distress sale, the government has fixed the supporting price for paddy and wheat and also set up procurement mandis in different areas of Jammu province which has benefited them to a large extent.  He said with the coordinated efforts of Union and State Governments, Basmati rice of R.S. Pora has been selected for global market.
 The Minister said that now the department was giving thrust on introduction of organic farming for heritage crops of the state.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 17 Jan 2013 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 17 Jan 2013 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 18 Jan 2013 00:00:00 IST