OCT 04: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science & Technology, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, Satish Sharma, today flagged off a group of progressive farmers from Chamb for a one-day exposure visit to the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) at R.S Pura, Jammu. The visit is being organized under the Promotion of Oilseed initiative as part of the HADP scheme.
A total of 62 farmers from Chamb Constituency, Sub Division Akhnoor, accompanied by three officers from the Agriculture Department, Jammu, are participating in this program. Director Agriculture Jammu, Anil Gupta; Chief Agriculture Officer Jammu, Manohar Lal Sharma; Agriculture Chemist; SMS (DL); SDAO Akhnoor; ASCO Akhnoor, along with JAEOs and AEAs of Sub Division Akhnoor, were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Satish Sharma highlighted the importance of promoting and expanding oilseed cultivation to reduce the country’s dependence on edible oil imports. He stressed that farmers must receive technical and scientific training to adopt modern agricultural practices effectively, thereby increasing productivity and income.
The Minister emphasized that exposure visits like these play a critical role in bridging the gap between scientific research and field-level application. He encouraged farmers to leverage the knowledge gained during the visit to implement innovative techniques in their own fields.
Director Agriculture Jammu elaborated on the need for diversification of farming activities to enhance farmers’ earnings. He stated that alongside oilseed promotion, participants will receive technical training on mushroom cultivation, keeping in view the approaching mushroom season. This dual focus is intended to help farmers supplement oilseed production with mushroom farming, thereby contributing to efforts aimed at doubling farmer incomes.
During the visit, farmers will be familiarized with modern technologies, scientific interventions, and best practices in oilseed cultivation. The program aims to enhance their knowledge and capacity to apply innovative methods at the farm level, ensuring better productivity and sustainability.
