Srinagar, Nov 19: Union Additional Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, PK Swain said that impetus is being given to increase farmers’ income and transform them into agri-entrepreneurs.
Swain today visited Agriculture Complex Lalmandi and had a detailed review of agriculture schemes being implemented in Kashmir division.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Additional Secretary highlighted the importance of multiple cropping systems. He stressed the need to educate farmers regarding various farmer friendly schemes which have been devised to transform rural economy for sustenance and economic prosperity.
Union Additional Secretary, said impetus is being given to increase farmers’ income for which formation of Farmer Interest Groups (FIGs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) is being ensured for economic prosperity of farmers by way of transforming agriculture into a remunerative venture and farmers into agri-entrepreneurs.
He reiterated that the present policies of Government of India including formation of FPOs are best suited to UT of J&K as the region is endowed with variety of agriculture products with export potential with huge demand and relevance in national and international markets.
During the meeting, Director Agriculture Kashmir, Chowdhary Muhammad Iqbal, gave a detailed power point presentation regarding different programs being carried out by the department. He said that organic villages are being established in a systematic manner. He added that high end value vegetable crops including exotics are also being promoted and covered under a holistic approach.
Speaking on the occasion, Additional Secretary said Kashmir valley having best agro climatic conditions for organic farming can increase employment opportunities for farmers as well as educated unemployed youth.
He further said that Ministry of Agriculture GOI will provide all support and help for upliftment of overall agriculture sector in Kashmir.