Anantnag, Feb 06: “There is a need for sustainable growth towards a bio-resource based economy (bio-economy) that can have scale, returns as well as sustainability. Such a system is expected to transform the farm economy of J&K from subsistence to self-reliance and create equitable opportunities for livelihood, employment and market economy,” said Chief Agriculture Officer (CAO) Anantnag, Aijaz Hussain Dar on Monday.
This warrants a holistic approach for diversifying agricultural product portfolio that adds value, creates demand and generates employment, he added.
The Agriculture Department Anantnag on Monday launched an orientation cum training calendar and conduct of training programs at the district level under holistic development of the agricultural sector. The event was organized by CAO Anantnag at DAK Bungalow Khanabal, here.
The CAO talked about the Holistic Agriculture Development Plan which covers 29 projects of agriculture and allied sectors with budgetary support of Rs 5,013 crore. The orientation and training at the district level have been embarked on with the aim to create awareness and build confidence among all stakeholders of the district.
Dar said, “The strategic climate and bio-resource diversity can be harnessed by enabling policy support systems that focus on the use of technology, knowledge and capital investment through the promotion of secondary agriculture, value addition and processing, diversification, market linkages, capacity building and resilience of farming systems.”
“The approach is in line with the policy of doubling farmers’ income that is based on four important pillars – sustainability of production, value for farm output, strengthening of extension services for outreach and building & enabling agriculture to operate as an enterprise,” he added.
Officers from various departments of the district including Project Coordinator KVK Anantnag, Chief Animal/ Husbandry Officer Anantnag, Chief Horticulture Officer Anantnag, District Sheep Husbandry Officer Anantnag, District Floriculture Officer Anantnag, District Sericulture Officer Anantnag and Area Marketing Officer Anantnag attended the programme. The technical staff of the departments also participated.
