MAY 30: Minister for Agriculture Production, Javid Ahmad Dar, formally launched the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan today at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir (SKUAST-K). This ambitious initiative marks the beginning of a 15-day region-specific agricultural outreach campaign aimed at empowering farmers with knowledge, technology, and government support.
Speaking at the launch event, the Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to building a sustainable and self-reliant agricultural sector in Jammu and Kashmir. The campaign will focus on spreading awareness of Kharif season technologies, promoting the use of Soil Health Cards, and educating farmers on flagship schemes designed to enhance productivity, income, and resilience.
Experts from SKUAST-K and officials from the agriculture department will work in tandem to reach out to farmers across various districts. Field demonstrations, workshops, and village-level meetings will be held to ensure hands-on learning and effective dissemination of region-specific best practices. Topics will include improved seed varieties, water conservation techniques, integrated pest management, and organic farming methods suitable for the Kharif crop cycle.
One of the key objectives of the campaign is to promote the Soil Health Card scheme, which helps farmers make informed decisions about fertilizer use based on scientific soil testing. Minister Dar noted that optimizing soil health is critical to improving crop yields and ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability in the region.
In his address, the Minister highlighted the importance of farmer-centric governance. “Our vision is to create a vibrant rural economy where farmers are not just producers, but partners in policy and innovation,” he stated. He added that timely dissemination of technical knowledge and increased access to government schemes would be vital in transforming the agricultural landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
The launch event saw the participation of agricultural scientists, field officers, farmers, and rural extension workers. The Minister also visited the university’s research plots to review ongoing trials of climate-resilient crop varieties.
The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan is part of a broader mission to ensure inclusive agricultural development and boost farmer welfare across Jammu and Kashmir. Over the next two weeks, the campaign is expected to engage thousands of farmers, laying a strong foundation for a successful Kharif season.
