Jammu, May 30: Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Vijaypur, Chander Prakash Ganga on Friday said the government is committed to supporting farmers through various central and UT schemes aimed at increasing farm incomes and making agriculture a sustainable livelihood for the youth.
Presiding over a large-scale event under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) at Panchayat Palli in district Samba, the MLA urged farmers to stay in close contact with departmental officers to enhance their income and to leverage available government schemes.
He called upon them to adopt organic and natural farming practices to ensure access to healthy food and promote good health.
According to a statement issued here, the MLA, upon his arrival, was warmly welcomed by district heads of line departments and scientists from SKUAST Jammu. The event was attended by more than 450 farmers and farm women, along with officers and officials from various line departments.
During the event, Ganga visited more than 31 exhibition stalls displayed by government departments, KVK Samba, Self Help Groups, and local entrepreneurs. He praised the efforts of the team led by Prof Sanjay Khajuria, District Nodal Officer VKSA 2025, which included Dr Rakesh Khajuria, Chief Agriculture Officer Samba; Dr Rahul Dev, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer Samba; Farhat Naz Choudhary, JKAS Dy. Registrar Cooperative Samba; Joginder Kumar Sharma, AD Fisheries Samba; Dr Deepak Kichloo, DSHO Samba; and Chief Horticulture Officer Samba, for their organization of this grand programme benefitting the local farming community.
Earlier, Prof Sanjay Khajuria, District Nodal Officer VKSA 2025, encouraged farmers to engage directly with agricultural scientists, assuring them of dedicated support to address their queries and challenges. He highlighted agriculture’s vast potential and emphasised the importance of technology-driven practices to boost productivity.
“The 15-day Abhiyan aims to educate farmers about modern, region-specific technologies for major Kharif crops, increase awareness of government schemes and policies, promote the use of Soil Health Cards for better crop selection and balanced fertilisation, and gather grassroots feedback to guide farmer-centric innovations and research,” Prof Khajuria said.
Dr Neerja Sharma and Dr Reena, Chief Scientists from SKUAST Jammu, also addressed the gathering, interacted with farmers, and shared expert insights. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Rakesh Khajuria, Chief Agricultural Officer and Joint Nodal Officer VKSA 2025, who briefed the MLA on various schemes and benefits provided to the farming community of District Samba.