To educate and acquaint farmers with latest tools andtechnology in a bid to increase production and quality, the agriculturedepartment organized a daylong farmers’ conference-cum-exhibition, undercentrally sponsored PMKSY scheme, here at Bhaderwah on Tuesday.
More than 500 progressive and prospective farmers and orchardistsparticipated in the conference, which was organized at Community Hall, Kotli.
On the occasion, ADC Bhaderwah, Dr Ravi Kumar Bharti was thechief guest, while chief agriculture officer (CAO), Doda, Sunil Kumar Koul,inaugurated the event and SDO Pranu Sushil Rattan Sharma presided over thefunction.
The ADC and CAO, after inaugurating the daylong event,visited different stalls installed by the departments of horticulture,territorial forest, agriculture and other allied departments, showcasing the highyield hybrid seed varieties, plant saplings, herbs, aromatic plants and latestmachinery to be utilized for various farming related activities.
While speaking on the occasion, the SDO Sushil Rattan urgedupon the farmers to avail benefits from the schemes of department and remain intouch with the technocrats to know about new schemes and technologies.
The ADC, during his address, said, “Farmers are the backboneof the country and the nation will progress only when farmers are uplifted.”
He also highlightedthe schemes which were recently launched by the union and state government toprovide a boost to the agriculture sector.
The CAO urged the farmers to utilize latest available toolsand techniques, besides high yielding crop and plant varieties to acquiremaximum agriculture produce.
Sheikh Mohammad Zaffarullah, range officer Bhaderwah forestdivision, highlighted the aim of holding such events. He urged the participantsto utilize such occasions to acquaint themselves with the latest inventions anddiscoveries in agriculture and its allied sectors.
A prize distribution ceremony was also held, whereincertificates were distributed among progressive farmers for their active rolein different agricultural activities.
Prominent among those who were present during the conferenceincluded DAO Doda Shahid Hussain, scientists from KVK Bhaderwah Dr NarinderPaul and Dr Neeraj Kotwal, HDO Rohan Kumar, Dr Shah Nawaz and ADO Doda IqbalSingh.