SAMBA, Jun 15: As part of the ongoing flagship awareness campaign “Khet Bachao Abhiyan”, an awareness programme was organized on Monday at Ramgarh in District Samba under the chairmanship of Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal, Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), Ramgarh, in the presence of Director Agriculture Jammu, Anil Gupta.
The programme was attended by Aman Jyoti Sharma, Joint Director Agriculture (SLUB/Farms), Jammu, Prof. Sanjay Khajuria, Chief Scientist & Head, KVK Samba, Karuna Nidhi, Deputy Director (Trainings), Rakesh Khajuria, Chief Agriculture Officer Samba, Keshav Datt Sharma, Ex-DDC Chairman, public representatives, progressive farmers, officers and field functionaries of Agriculture and allied departments, besides a large number of farmers from different parts of District Samba.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal emphasized the importance of conserving soil health and adopting sustainable agricultural practices to ensure long-term productivity and profitability of farming.
He urged farmers to make judicious use of fertilizers and pesticides, adopt soil test-based nutrient management, and take advantage of the various schemes and programmes being implemented by the Agriculture Department.
He appreciated the efforts of the department in conducting extensive awareness activities under the Khet Bachao Abhiyan and called upon farmers to actively participate in such initiatives.
Addressing the gathering, Director Agriculture Jammu, Anil Gupta, highlighted the importance of soil health management, balanced use of fertilizers, and adoption of modern agricultural practices for enhancing farm productivity and ensuring long-term sustainability.
He emphasized the need to expand the area under pulses and oilseed crops to strengthen nutritional security, improve soil fertility, and reduce dependence on imports of edible oils.
He informed farmers about various departmental initiatives and government schemes aimed at promoting crop diversification, increasing farmers income, and encouraging climate-resilient agriculture.
Anil Gupta also urged farmers to remain closely associated with the Agriculture Department and avail themselves of the latest technologies and extension services being provided at their doorstep.
Later, MLA Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal and Director Agriculture Jammu, Anil Gupta, visited the agriculture display stalls set up by the Agriculture Department, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Women Self Help Groups (SHGs), and progressive farmers. They interacted with exhibitors and obtained first-hand information about the technologies, innovations, products and activities being showcased.
Earlier, Chief Agriculture Officer Samba, Rakesh Khajuria, delivered the welcome address and briefed the participants about the various agricultural development activities being undertaken in the district.
The proceedings of the programme concluded with a vote of thanks presented by Sanjay Badyal, District Agriculture Officer (Extension), Samba.