RAMBAN: Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Mohammad Alyas Khan today presided over a one-day awareness programme organized by the Area Marketing Office, with the objective of sensitizing farmers about the flagship government schemes aimed at strengthening the agriculture and allied sectors.
The programme was attended by Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Shokat Hayat Mattoo; Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer, Ajaz Ahmed Rishi; Area Marketing Officer Ramban, Tehsin Iqbal Chib; Disease Investigation Officer, Animal Husbandry Department, Dr. Rayees; Assistant Registrar Cooperative Societies, Fida Hussain and District Resource Person, Mudassar. The officers explained the schemes of their respective departments and encouraged farmers to avail benefits under various government interventions.
Interacting with the farmers, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the importance of inter-departmental convergence for achieving holistic rural and agricultural development. “Coordinated efforts among line departments are essential for improving farmers’ incomes, strengthening market access and ensuring sustainable development in the agriculture sector,” he emphasized.
During the programme, farmers were apprised about the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), Jammu & Kashmir Competitive Integrated Agriculture Project (JKCIP), PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME), support for grading and packing, besides other departmental schemes focusing on income enhancement, value addition and market linkage.
The Area Marketing Officer briefed the participants about the initiatives of the Department of Horticulture Planning & Marketing and stressed the significance of market-oriented production, quality improvement and post-harvest management.
A large number of farmers actively participated in the programme, raised queries and appreciated the efforts of the department for organizing awareness programmes at the grassroots level to directly benefit the farming community.