Atal Dulloo directs for timely achievement of annual targets

Srinagar, Aug 12: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today conducted an extensive review of the progress, impact, and implementation status of all 29 schemes under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) across the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.According to a statement issued here, the Chief Secretary took detailed stock of district-wise achievements, urging the concerned departments and Deputy Commissioners to maintain momentum and avoid any slackness that could jeopardize the gains made so far. He directed the MD, HADP to maintain close coordination with HoDs and DCs to ensure timely achievement of annual targets.He observed that the five-year HADP has the potential to transform J&K’s agriculture and horticulture sectors into sustainable, reliable, and highly profitable ventures, thereby enhancing farmer incomes, generating youth employment, and unlocking the region’s full agri-horti potential. He stressed the need for a “whole-of-government” approach to achieve the ambitious goals within stipulated timelines.Providing an update on the programme’s progress, Principal Secretary, APD, Shailendra Kumar revealed that a substantial increase in farmer participation had been registered recently. Since the last review in January 2025, farmer registrations have surged by 35% to over 3.01 lakh, while total applications have risen by 33% to 4.92 lakh. Of these, 3.48 lakh applications have been approved marking a 24% increase, he added.Highlighting key schemes attracting the highest farmer engagement, MD HADP, Sandeep Kumar informed the meeting that the Farm Mechanization and Automation initiative leads with 74,448 approvals, modernizing agricultural practices across the UT. The Fodder Resource Development component has secured 36,129 approvals, while the Vegetable/Exotic Vegetable Promotion scheme has garnered 33,202 approvals reflecting the growing interest in high-value crops, he revealed.