* Apex Committee presents overview of HADP
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 9: The Apex Committee for the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) led by Dr. Mangla Rai, renowned agriculture scientist and former DG, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), today called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and briefed him about the progress on implementation of HADP for development of Agriculture & allied sectors across Jammu and Kashmir.
Other committee members including Dr. PK Joshi, Secretary NAAS; Dr HS Gupta, former Director IARI; Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai; Vice Chancellor SKUAST-J, Dr BN Tripathi and Dr. JP Sharma, former VC SKUAST-J were also present.
Mission Director HADP, J&K Sandeep Kumar, was also present on the occasion.
During the interaction, Dr. Mangal Rai gave an overview of HADP and presented comprehensive two-year progress report on the program’s initiatives. He also presented several suggestions before the Chief Minister to further enhance the program’s implementation and impact.
While interacting with the committee members, the Chief Minister stressed on them to focus on comprehensive roadmap for sustainable agricultural development, diversification, and empowerment of farming communities in the region. He emphasized on the critical need for an integrated strategy that addresses sectoral challenges like soil health, water management, modern farming techniques, and market linkages.
Omar Abdullah further highlighted that the agriculture sector remains a pivotal driver of J&K’s economy and reaffirmed the Government’s resolve to provide an enabling environment for farmers by facilitating access to modern inputs, credit, technology, and markets. He added that J&K is emerging as role model for agriculture sector across the country.
While commending the Apex Committee for progress on implementation of HADP, the Chief Minister called for effective promotion of horticulture and allied activities, strengthening of rural infrastructure, and establishment of a robust support framework for small and marginal farmers.
Meanwhile, a delegation of Jammu and Kashmir Fruits & Vegetable Processing & Integrated Cold Chain Association (JKPICCA) called on Chief Minister, at Raabita Public Outreach Office and raised the issue of closure of National Highway in view of the peak fruit season in valley.
The delegation, while interacting with the Chief Minister, sought immediate intervention of the Government to ensure uninterrupted movement of fruit and vegetable laden trucks from Kashmir to outside Mandis. They also sought streamlined passage of fruit and vegetable laden trucks, no arbitrary halts, alternate routes, dedicated transport corridor, priority movement status for fruit laden trucks as well as immediate start of Railway Cargo Service to ensure faster and direct transportation of the valley’s fruit produce to national markets.
The Chief Minister assured the association members that the Government is fully aware of the gravity of the situation and NH-44 restoration is being monitored on hourly basis. He emphasized that all possible measures are being explored to restore highway connectivity at the earliest, while long-term solutions are also being explored to prevent such issues in future peak seasons.
A delegation of folk artists and renowned singers of Kashmir including Ustaad Abdul Rashid Hafiz, Waheed Jeelani, Gulzar Ganie and Muneer Mir raised the concerns of the local artists and singers with the Chief Minister. They sought the Government’s intervention to resolve various challenges faced by the community from last several years.
Similarly, other public delegations also met the Chief Minister and apprised him of various developmental issues and concerns of their respective areas.
The Chief Minister gave a patient hearing to all delegations and individuals, assuring them that the issues raised would be appropriately addressed through the concerned departments.
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