Day 9 of the 1100+ KM Mission Organic Kashmir journey marked a significant chapter as we traversed through Budgam and arrived at Pulwama. The day was packed with interactions, farm visits, and discussions about the transformative Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP).
🌟 Morning Flag Off: ICAR-CITH and ICAR-IGFRI, Srinagar
The day began with a ceremonial flag-off in the esteemed presence of:
- Dr. Javid Iqbal Mir, Principal Scientist & Incharge (PME), ICAR-CITH Srinagar.
- Dr. Sheeraz Saleem Bhat, Senior Scientist & Scientist-in-Charge, ICAR-IGFRI, Regional Research Station Srinagar.
- Dr. Wasim Hassan Raja, Senior Scientist & Nodal Officer (NEH) and I/C Head, KVK Baramulla.
Their support highlights the collaborative spirit of research institutions and their critical role in advancing sustainable agriculture in the Kashmir Valley.
🌳 Entry into Budgam District
Welcomed at Hyderpora Bypass
Upon entering Budgam, we were warmly greeted by Mr. Tasaduq Chasti (SMS/SDL), Mr. Javeed Mohidin Dar (JAEO), and Mr. Syed Shabir Hussain Razvi (AEA), showcasing the hospitality and enthusiasm of the local agricultural community.
🌱 HADP Hi-Tech Projects in Budgam
Progressive Farmer: Shri Showkat Ji
- Project: Vegetable farming under Polyhouse.
- Details:
- Size: 500 sq. meters.
- Project Cost: ₹21.67 lakh.
- Subsidy: 95% (₹20.58 lakh) under the HADP scheme.
- This initiative has greatly boosted vegetable farming in Budgam, enabling farmers to adopt modern techniques and achieve better yields.
Progressive Farmer: Shri Khursheed Ji
- Experience: Farming since 1998, specializing in vegetables under Polyhouse.
- Achievements:
- Last year, sold tomatoes at ₹210/kg, a testament to his exceptional produce quality.
- Project (2024-25):
- Cost: ₹21.67 lakh.
- Subsidy: 95% (₹20.58 lakh).
🌾 Chief Agriculture Office, Budgam
In the afternoon, we were honored by Syed Tafazul Madni Ji, Chief Agriculture Officer of Budgam, and the dedicated staff of the CAO. Their commitment to implementing HADP schemes is driving significant progress in the district.
🏡 Sub-Division Agriculture Office, Chadoora
Later, we visited the Sub-Division Agriculture Office in Chadoora, Budgam. A warm welcome awaited us from:
- Mr. Fayaz Ahmad War, SDAO-Chadoora.
- Mr. Tahir Hussain, JAEO-Chadoora.
- Mr. Mubashir Qamar, AEO-Chadoora.
The discussions here focused on the impact of HADP and strategies for increasing awareness among local farmers.
🍎 Visit to Pulwama District
By evening, we arrived at Pulwama and were warmly received by Shri Mohammad Iqbal Khan Ji, Chief Agriculture Officer, Pulwama, and his team. We delved into the HADP schemes being implemented in the district, which are empowering farmers with advanced technologies and resources.
🌟 Impact of Day 9
From Budgam’s high-tech initiatives to Pulwama’s proactive agricultural strategies, Day 9 exemplified how HADP is transforming the agricultural landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. The journey continues to inspire and motivate farmers across the region to adopt sustainable and innovative practices.
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