Jammu, Mar 26: Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Jasrota, Rajiv Jasrotia on Wednesday inaugurated the Mega Kisan Mela at Magloor, emphasising the government’s commitment to enhancing the agricultural sector in Jammu and Kashmir. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Raghunandan Singh, Vice Chairman of the District Development Council (DDC) Kathua, and Chief Agriculture Officer Sanjeev Rai Gupta.
In his opening remarks, Sanjeev Rai Gupta welcomed all attendees and set a positive tone for the day’s proceedings. The event gathered various local leaders, including Mandal President Deepak Sharma and several Sarpanchs, who were present to support the initiatives aimed at empowering farmers.
During the ceremony, MLA Jasrotia distributed 45 tractors to progressive farmers, part of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme, Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM). He also recognised the contributions of women farmers, awarding certificates to Lakhpati Didis, including Shakti Sharma and Neelam Jasrotia.
In his address, Jasrotia highlighted the transformative changes in the agriculture and allied sectors in Jammu and Kashmir, citing the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Tthe Union Government’s innovative policies, such as the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), have led to record productivity levels in recent year,” he said.
“We used to rely on models and schemes from other states, but Jammu and Kashmir is now a leader in implementing innovative agricultural initiatives,” Jasrotia said, adding that the government is working towards securing geographical indications (GI) for local products to enhance market value.
The MLA called on agricultural universities to improve their outreach to farmers, stressing the importance of direct engagement to deliver research-driven innovations at the grassroots level.
Highlighting the significance of the Kisan Mela, he urged farmers to adopt advanced practices such as precision farming, drip irrigation, and organic methods to improve both yield and sustainability.
Jasrotia also pointed out the need for farmers to stay in close contact with scientists and extension workers to enhance farm profits through best practices. He appreciated the Agriculture Department’s efforts in developing irrigation solutions for Kandi areas, including the Baba Jitto Irrigation Scheme.
Raghunandan Singh praised the collaboration of agencies involved in supporting the farming community and commended the timely services provided to farmers under the HADP, which has positioned District Kathua as a leader among the 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sanjeev Rai Gupta expressed gratitude to all participants and organisers for the success of the event. A variety of women farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, and progressive farmers also had the opportunity to share their experiences. The Kisan Mela served as a platform to showcase new technologies and techniques aimed at boosting productivity and adding value to agricultural outputs.
