KATHUA, Jun 10: The Agriculture Production Department, Kathua on Wednesday organized the flagship awareness campaign “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” with the objective of promoting sustainable agricultural practices, protecting soil health, and enhancing farm productivity among the farming community and judicious use of agricultural inputs among the farming community.
The programme was inaugurated by Nitu Gupta, Secretary, Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare Department, Jammu & Kashmir, as the Chief Guest, in the presence of Rajesh Sharma, Deputy Commissioner, Kathua, Aman Jyoti, Joint Director Agriculture (SLUB/Farms) Jammu, Jatinder Kumar, CAO Kathua. The event witnessed participation from officers of Agriculture and allied departments, scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), progressive farmers and other stakeholders.
Welcoming the dignitaries and participants, Sh. Jatinder Kumar Khajuria, Chief Agriculture Officer, Kathua, highlighted the significance of the “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” in ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability.
He elaborated on the importance of adopting Good Agricultural Practices, judicious and balanced use of fertilizers, integrated disease management, soil health management, crop health management and the adoption of smart agriculture technologies.
He also sensitized the gathering about the objectives and benefits of the National Mission on Natural Farming, emphasizing the need for reducing chemical dependency and promoting eco-friendly farming systems.
Addressing the gathering, Nitu Gupta, Secretary, Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare Department, underscored the importance of protecting agricultural lands and maintaining soil fertility for future generations. She stressed upon the adoption of scientific and climate-resilient farming practices and urged farmers to actively participate in government initiatives aimed at enhancing farm productivity and sustainability.
Rajesh Sharma, Deputy Commissioner, Kathua, emphasized the collective responsibility of all stakeholders towards conservation of agricultural resources and ensuring food security.
Aman Jyoti, Joint Director, SLUB, Jammu, also elaborated upon the objectives and significance of the “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” and called for coordinated efforts to safeguard soil health and agricultural ecosystems.
During the technical sessions, Dr. Vishal Mahajan, Head, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kathua, highlighted the role of scientific interventions in improving farm productivity and profitability.
Dr. Vishal Sharma, Senior Scientist, KVK Kathua, spoke on integrated crop management practices and efficient nutrient management.
Dr. Jugal Kishore, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer Kathua, informed the participants about various departmental schemes and initiatives being implemented for the welfare of farmers and sustainable agricultural development.
The programme concluded with an interactive session wherein farmers raised their queries regarding soil health, crop protection, natural farming and modern agricultural practices, which were addressed by the experts and scientists. The participants appreciated the initiative and expressed their commitment towards adopting sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices.
Raj Singh, District Agriculture Officer (Extension) Kathua presented Vote of Thanks upon conclusion of the event.