Govt will ensure check on unplanned Agri-land conversion in J&K: Minister

23 October 2024

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Srinagar, Oct 23: Jammu and Kashmir’s Agriculture Minister Javaid Dar Wednesday said that his priority is to create mass awareness among people and farmers about various Central schemes especially Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) aimed at boosting production and economy of stakeholders. The Minister also said his vision entails consulting experts and officials to check whether the conversion of Agriculture land is going unplanned in J&K.

In an exclusive chat with news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the Minister said he will take the review of the Agriculture department tomorrow (October 24) and get feedback from the officers about the various programs and schemes being implemented. “So far I have understood that HADP is the holistic program that is not just confined to Agriculture but also covers horticulture and scores of allied sectors,” Dar said.

The Agriculture Minister said that one of his first priorities will be to create mass awareness among farms and various stakeholders associated with Agriculture and Horticulture. “There are so many schemes which farmers and other stakeholders should be well aware of. I believe when you know the scheme only then you can benefit from the same. When you don’t know the scheme, benefits can’t reach you,” he said.

Dar, who was recently inducted into the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah led cabinet, and allotted key portfolios of Agriculture, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Election, said one of the key areas he will focus on is the rapid conversion of Agriculture land. “Agriculture is our backbone and we need to preserve it by all means. I believe there has to be a check on wherever unnecessary or unplanned conversion of Agriculture land is going on, that needs to be prevented. At the same time, I am aware of population explosion,” the Minister said. “Officials from the department and experts will be consulted on the issue of rapid Agri-land conversion.”

He said all efforts of his ministry would benefit farmers and other stakeholders should get maximum benefits. “There are crop insurance schemes but not all are aware of the schemes. There is no dearth of funds. Funds are available but so far what I have understood is there is lack of awareness,” he said.

The Minister said from Apple to Saffron to famous Mushke Budj rice, paddy, mustard, walnuts, and other produce needs to be given a major boost. “My focus will also be to plug the intrusion of fake pesticides into the market. I am taking all the concerned-on board while ensuring farmers and other stakeholders get maximum benefits,” he said.

The Agriculture Minister said the primary focus will be to ensure sustainability and a stable economy. “Seventy percent of J&K’s population is dependent on Agriculture and allied sectors. I have a huge task ahead. With the active support of my team and stakeholders, I am sure I will come up to the expectations of people,” he said.

—(KNO)