Directorate of Agriculture hosts seminar on Cooperative Empowerment & Sustainable Agriculture

Jammu, July 3: A one-day seminar on “Cooperative Empowerment and Sustainable Agriculture” was held Thursday at the Auditorium of Kissan Kendra, Directorate of Agriculture, Talab Tillo, Jammu. The event was jointly organised by Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL), under the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India and Unnatu Agri Allied and Marketing Multi-State Cooperative Society, with support from the Department of Agriculture, Jammu.A statement issued here said that the seminar was part of the Cooperative Week Celebrations (July to July 6, which recognise the role of cooperatives in boosting India’s rural and agricultural economy. The event brought together cooperative leaders, officials from the Agriculture and Cooperative Departments, representatives from Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), and allied agencies. The focus was on strengthening Agricultural and Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) by promoting the identification, conservation, and distribution of natural seed varieties, including food grains, vegetables, fruits, and medicinal plants. BBSSL aims to incentivise farmers cultivating indigenous seeds, establish seed banks, and develop a nationwide distribution framework to ensure availability. Chief Guest, Babila Rakwal, Commissioner Secretary, Department of Cooperatives, commended the progress made in forming 165 cooperative societies in J&K and their potential in creating rural employment and ensuring access to quality seeds. She stressed the importance of preserving region-specific seed varieties suited to J&K’s agro-climatic zones. Guest of Honour, Dr Arvinder Singh Reen, Director Agriculture Jammu, highlighted the region’s suitability for seed production of cereals, oilseeds and aromatic plants. He called for stronger synergy between the Agriculture and Cooperative Departments and encouraged allied activities such as beekeeping, mushroom cultivation and exotic vegetable farming to diversify farm incomes.