DEC 3: In a major step towards strengthening the agricultural landscape of Jammu & Kashmir, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperative & Elections, Javid Ahmed Dar, inaugurated the District Mega Kisan Mela at Ghatti, Kathua. The event brought together hundreds of farmers, agriculture experts, extension officers, agripreneurs and scientists from SKUAST-Jammu, creating a vibrant platform for awareness, collaboration and field-level innovation.
The Mega Mela—one of the region’s key annual events—was designed to facilitate direct interaction between farmers and experts, helping bridge the gap between traditional farming practices and modern agri-technologies. The stalls showcased innovations, farm mechanization tools, high-yield crop varieties, organic inputs and digital solutions aimed at transforming agriculture into a more productive and profitable sector.
Focus on Innovation, Secondary Agriculture and Farmer Awareness
Addressing the gathering, Minister Javid Ahmed Dar emphasized that the future of agriculture lies in innovation and diversification, urging farmers to adopt advanced techniques and value-addition practices to enhance income stability.
He highlighted the growing relevance of secondary agriculture, which includes food processing, grading, packaging and market-linkage driven production—key drivers for doubling farmers’ income.
The Minister stressed that large-scale awareness of government schemes is crucial for maximizing benefits on the ground. Initiatives related to crop insurance, mechanization, irrigation support, high-density plantation and digital agriculture were discussed, with officials guiding farmers on how to avail them efficiently.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that every farmer, from remote villages to border belts, gains access to the latest schemes and technologies without bureaucratic hurdles.
SKUAST Scientists Lead Demonstrations & Knowledge Sessions
A major highlight of the event was the participation of SKUAST-Jammu scientists, who conducted live demonstrations on:
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Soil health management
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Climate-resilient agriculture
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High-yielding seed varieties
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Integrated pest management
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Organic and sustainable farming techniques
Experts also addressed concerns related to changing weather patterns, crop diseases, livestock management and post-harvest losses—offering practical solutions tailored to local agro-climatic conditions.
Farmers appreciated the hands-on workshops and interactive discussions, noting that such events help them stay updated with real-time solutions and market trends.
Boost to Rural Economy & Local Agri-Entrepreneurship
The District Mega Kisan Mela also provided a platform to local agri-entrepreneurs and self-help groups (SHGs) to showcase processed food items, organic produce, handmade farm products and innovative rural solutions.
Minister Dar stated that the government aims to encourage entrepreneurship-driven agriculture to open new income streams for rural youth. “Agriculture today is not just cultivation—it is a complete economic system. Our goal is to make farmers producers as well as entrepreneurs,” he remarked.
He assured the farming community that the government will continue investing in infrastructure such as cold storages, irrigation networks, soil testing labs, farmer training centres and market linkages to strengthen the rural economy.
A Step Towards Sustainable and Prosperous Agriculture in J&K
The District Mega Kisan Mela at Ghatti concluded with a renewed commitment to empowering farmers through capacity-building, innovation and cooperative-driven growth. With active participation from the farming community and expert institutions, the event reinforced the vision of making Jammu & Kashmir a model of modern, sustainable and profitable agriculture.
The Minister thanked all stakeholders and reaffirmed that the government remains dedicated to a Farmers First approach, ensuring that every initiative focuses on improving livelihoods and promoting long-term agricultural prosperity.
