JAMMU, Oct 30: Director Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare, Jammu, Shri Anil Gupta, conducted an extensive tour of R.S. Pura Sub-Division to review ongoing developmental activities, assess the implementation of departmental schemes and take stock of various farmer-oriented initiatives.
The Director was accompanied by Chief Agriculture Officer, Jammu, Manohar Lal Sharma; Potato Development Officer, Ravi Sharma; District Agriculture Officer, Vinod Kumar Khajuria; Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer, R.S. Pura, Arun Jaral; Subject Matter Specialists and other field functionaries.
During the visit, Shri Anil Gupta attended the live streaming of the release of the 24th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Bhildi, Banaskantha district, Gujarat, at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), R.S. Pura.
The programme was attended by R.S. Pura MLA Dr. Narinder Singh Raina, Suchetgarh MLA Prof. Gharu Ram Bhagat, SKUAST-Jammu Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) B.N. Tripathi and Chief Scientist and Head, KVK Jammu, Dr. Punit Choudhary, besides departmental officers, scientists and farmers. The programme was jointly organised by the Department of Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare, Jammu, and KVK Jammu.
On the occasion, the Director also addressed farmers during an awareness programme organised under the Khet Bachao Abhiyan. Emphasising the importance of agricultural land conservation, he highlighted the need to promote sustainable farming practices, maintain soil health and ensure judicious utilisation of natural resources. He urged farmers to adopt resource-conserving technologies and actively participate in protecting agricultural land.
Gupta also addressed participants during a one-day training programme on the promotion of oilseeds under the National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO) at R.S. Pura. He stressed the need to expand oilseed cultivation, adopt improved production technologies and encourage crop diversification to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce the country’s dependence on imported edible oils.
As part of the field inspection, the Director visited the Paddy Procurement Mandi (Registration-cum-Facilitation Centre), R.S. Pura/Bishnah, at Village Khour Deoion, Panchayat Khour, Zone Khirpind. He reviewed procurement operations and assessed the arrangements made for farmers.
He stressed the importance of transparent and hassle-free procurement, timely lifting of paddy and adequate facilities at the centre. He also directed the concerned officers to maintain close coordination with procurement agencies to ensure that farmers receive the benefits of the procurement process without inconvenience.
The Director subsequently inspected the Potato Seed Production Farm at Kotli Mian Fateh, where he reviewed ongoing activities, crop management practices, farm operations and the availability of quality planting material. He emphasised scientific cultivation practices, maintenance of quality standards and timely execution of farm operations to strengthen potato seed production and promote self-reliance.
During the tour, Anil Gupta reiterated the department’s commitment to effective implementation of agricultural schemes, strengthening field-level extension services and providing necessary support to farmers. He directed field functionaries to maintain regular contact with the farming community, address their grievances promptly and work with dedication towards achieving the department’s developmental targets.