Bumper Wheat Harvest Begins Beyond Fence in Hiranagar Sector
APRIL 26:
A significant achievement unfolded in the Hiranagar sector as the harvesting of wheat sown across the fence commenced in Chak Changa village, situated along the Zero Line of the International Border in the Chandwan Border Outpost area. The initiative marks a collaborative success between the Kathua District Administration, Agriculture Department, and Border Security Force (BSF), under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Dr. Rakesh Minhas.
The harvesting was formally launched by Chief Agriculture Officer (CAO) Sanjeev Rai Gupta and BSF Company Commandant, Inspector Mahesh Kumar. Farmers from the border belt are celebrating a bumper yield this season, made possible through logistical and security support extended by the administration and BSF.
This cross-fence cultivation, initiated as a pilot project in Rabi 2021–22, has now expanded to include 90 farmers from Chak Changa, Chak Tanda, Krol Krishna, Karol Maithrain, and Maniyari. In the current Rabi season (2024–25), wheat was cultivated over 350 acres, with the Agriculture Department deploying 15 tractors and 2 combine harvesters to expedite the harvest, expected to conclude within 2–3 days.
Local farmer Ram Raj reported harvesting 240 quintals of wheat from 12 acres, lauding the department’s guidance throughout the crop cycle. CAO Gupta affirmed the department’s ongoing commitment to supporting border farmers with resources and technical expertise.
Officials including SMS Hiranagar Tejinder Sharma, AEO Marheen Jamshed Andotra, and field staff played a crucial role in facilitating the successful cultivation and harvest across the fence.