The 14th day of the Mission Organic Kashmir journey was eventful, showcasing transformative initiatives under the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) in the districts of Kulgam and Anantnag. Here’s a detailed account of the visits and interactions:
🚩 Stop 1: Kilam Agriculture Zone Office, Kulgam
The day began with a warm welcome at the Kilam Agriculture Zone Office in Kulgam.
- Hosted By: Shri Zakir Raina, Agriculture Extension Officer (AEO), Kilam, and his staff.
- Acknowledged the team’s efforts in implementing HADP schemes, fostering innovation in sustainable agriculture, and promoting farmer entrepreneurship.
Key Takeaway: 🌱 Collaboration between officials and farmers is key to agricultural transformation in the region.
🌿 Stop 2: Hi-Tech Farm, Manigam, Kulgam
Visited the hi-tech farm of Shri Rafiq Ahmad Bhat, a progressive farmer in Manigam.
- Subsidy: 95% (₹20.5 lakh) under HADP 2023-24.
- Infrastructure: Hi-tech polyhouse structure for year-round vegetable cultivation.
- Officials Present:
- Shri Subash Chander Prajapati, Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer (SDAO), Qaimoh.
- Shri Zakir Raina, AEO, Kilam, Kulgam.
- Crops Grown: Exotic vegetables and high-value crops, ensuring consistent income even during harsh winters.
Key Takeaway: 🚀 Hi-tech polyhouses empower farmers to increase productivity and diversify crops.
🌱 Stop 3: Low-Cost Polyhouse, Vessu, Anantnag
Afternoon visit to the farm of Shri Mir Nisar in Vessu.
- Subsidy: 95% (₹1.90 lakh) under HADP 2024-25.
- Achievements:
- Successful production of leafy vegetables.
- Conducted trials of diverse crops.
- Transitioned from horticulture to vegetable cultivation with assistance from the Vessu Agriculture Department.
- Officials Present: Shri Yassir Ahmad, AEO, Vessu, Anantnag.
Key Takeaway: 🌾 Adapting to new farming methods can enhance land utilization and profitability.
🍅 Stop 4: Hi-Tech Polyhouse, Vessu, Anantnag
Evening visit to the hi-tech polyhouse of Shri Bashir Ahmed.
- Subsidy: 95% (₹20.5 lakh) under HADP 2024-25.
- Earnings: ₹2.5 lakh since April 2024 through the sale of onion seedlings, cucumber, brinjal, and leafy vegetables.
- Future Plans:
- Expanding into vegetable production.
- Exploring Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) for sustainability.
Key Takeaway: 💡 Hi-tech farming combined with integrated systems maximizes income and resource efficiency.
🎉 Stop 5: Welcome at Chief Agriculture Office, Anantnag
The day concluded with a heartfelt welcome by the team at the Chief Agriculture Office, Anantnag.
- Hosts:
- Shri Ajeet Ji, District Agriculture Officer (Extension).
- Shri Sudheer Ji, District Agriculture Officer (Inputs).
- Other esteemed officials: Javaid Ahmad Lone, Sarmad Shareef, Jan Zubair, and Yassir Ahmad.
- Appreciated the collective efforts in promoting organic farming and implementing HADP projects in Anantnag.
Key Takeaway: 🤝 Collaborative leadership drives impactful agricultural programs.
✨ Conclusion
The journey through Kulgam and Anantnag reaffirmed the potential of HADP in revolutionizing Jammu & Kashmir’s agriculture.
- 🌟 Hi-tech and low-cost polyhouses are enabling farmers to grow off-season crops, diversify their produce, and secure consistent incomes.
- 🌱 Innovative practices like Integrated Farming Systems are paving the way for sustainable growth.
- 🤝 The synergy between government officials, agricultural experts, and farmers is creating a model for success.
As the Mission Organic Kashmir journey continues, it is inspiring to witness how these initiatives are transforming the lives of farmers and fostering a robust, self-reliant agricultural economy. 🚴♂️🌾
