 Early Times Report
KATHUA, Jan 28: A one-day Kisan Mela cum Exhibition was inaugurated today at Kathua by Dr. Bharat Bhushan, Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), Kathua constituency, and S. Arvinder Singh Reen, Director of Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare, Jammu. The event, organized under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) 2024-25, focused on the development of seed and seed multiplication chains and aimed to empower farmers with knowledge of modern agricultural practices.
Dr. Bharat Bhushan graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while S. Arvinder Singh Reen presided over the function. The event was organized by the Chief Agriculture Officer, Shri Sanjeev Rai Gupta, Department of Agriculture, Kathua, and witnessed the participation of various stakeholders, including farmers, agricultural experts, and representatives from Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), NGOs, self-help groups, and private companies.
The exhibition featured a diverse range of stalls showcasing agricultural innovations, farm machinery, organic products, and the latest advancements in seed production. Among the many displays were sections dedicated to agriculture inputs, seed procurement, farm mechanization, and integrated farming practices.
Dr. Bharat Bhushan, in his address, emphasized that such events provide farmers with a valuable opportunity to interact with agricultural experts, gain insights into cutting-edge technologies, and apply these innovations to enhance farm productivity and income. He encouraged farmers to take full advantage of the opportunities presented in the Kisan Mela.
Director Agriculture Jammu, S. Arvinder Singh Reen, urged farmers to explore various schemes available under the HADP and other centrally sponsored programs for adopting modern farming techniques. He highlighted the benefits of organic farming, exotic vegetable cultivation, integrated farming systems, and farm mechanization in driving sustainable agricultural growth. Furthermore, he underscored the importance of developing community-based seed procurement centers and strengthening FPOs to enhance seed multiplication chains and ensure food security.
As part of the event, farmers participated in live demonstrations at various stalls, where they were educated on the latest agricultural innovations through electronic mediums. This unique approach, as instructed by the Director Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare Jammu, enabled farmers to engage with the content in smaller, interactive groups.
The exhibition also showcased the diverse activities of the Agriculture Department, including Plant Health Clinics, Agriculture Engineering, Apiculture, Mushroom and Spawn Production, Agronomy, Floriculture, Seed Analytical Laboratories, and Soil Testing Labs. These displays provided valuable insights into the department's ongoing efforts to improve agricultural practices and promote sustainability in the region.
The event was conducted by the officers and staff of the Chief Agriculture Office Kathua, who ensured the smooth execution of the program. The Kisan Mela served as a reminder of the importance of modernizing agriculture and fostering collaboration between farmers, experts, and policymakers to create a thriving agricultural ecosystem. |
