Jammu, Mar 24: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today asserted that Jammu and Kashmir has now become a leader in implementing innovative agricultural initiatives that are being cited as examples by other states. He highlighted the significant transformation taking place in the agriculture and allied sectors of the region under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing agricultural development.
During his address at the ‘Krishak Mela 2025’ at the R.S. Pura campus of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Jammu, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the significant steps taken to transform Jammu and Kashmir’s agricultural landscape. He specifically mentioned the launch of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and pointed out that, for the past three consecutive years, the region has consistently set new records in agricultural productivity.
“We have taken several innovative steps to transform the agricultural landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, including the launch of HADP. For the past three years, J&K has set productivity records in the agriculture and allied sectors,” the Lieutenant Governor stated.
He further emphasized that while the state once relied on agricultural extension models from other regions, J&K has now emerged as a leader in its own right, developing and implementing policies and initiatives that are being adopted by other states.
The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted initiatives aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, including policy interventions, sustainable practices, advanced technologies, and innovative marketing strategies. He pointed out that the government has successfully secured Geographical Indication (GI) tags for several traditional products, enhancing their market value and ensuring their authenticity. He also mentioned that efforts are underway to secure GI recognition for more local products, which will significantly boost the region’s export potential and market visibility.
Acknowledging the contribution of SKUAST Jammu, the Lieutenant Governor praised the university’s outreach programs through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and research stations. He urged the university to further strengthen its outreach to farmers through direct engagement, ensuring that research-driven innovations and best practices effectively reach the grassroots level.
He also commended the university’s Incubation Centre, which has already supported over 100 youth and helped launch 35 startups with assistance from the Union Ministry of Agriculture. The Lieutenant Governor urged the university to continue driving agricultural transformation and economic growth.
During his visit, the Lieutenant Governor toured various stalls set up by farmers, Farmers Producers Organizations (FPOs), and government departments. He also launched a new mobile application, Radio Kissan SKUAST Jammu 90.8 FM, and released a publication titled Krishi Adharit Udhyamon ke Madhyam Se: Sashakt aur Smriddh Bhavishya ki Kheti, compiled by KVK Jammu.
The ‘Krishak Mela’ serves as a platform for showcasing modern agricultural technologies, promoting sustainable farming practices, and facilitating knowledge exchange among farmers, scientists, and policymakers.
The newly inaugurated facilities at the event include a fully automated Poultry Production Unit designed to enhance poultry farming efficiency and sustainability, a PG Lab for Poultry Research, a Sanskriti PG Girls’ Hostel, Faculty Club, and Residential Quarters.
Also present at the event were Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, Prof. B.N. Tripathi, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST Jammu, Dr. Amrish Vaid, Director of Extension at SKUAST Jammu, Dr. Rajesh Katoch, Dean of F.V.SC & AH at SKUAST Jammu, along with senior officials, faculty members, and a large number of farmers.
