Srinagar, April 23: Jammu and Kashmir will be among the participating regions at the Northern Region Agriculture Conference scheduled to be held in Lucknow on April 24, bringing together policymakers, experts and farmers to deliberate on agricultural development across North India.
The conference, to be attended by Agriculture and Horticulture Ministers from six states and three Union Territories including Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, is expected to focus on key issues such as farmers’ welfare, policy coordination, and strategies for sustainable agricultural growth.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will inaugurate the conference, which will also see participation from Union Ministers of State Bhagirath Choudhary and Ramnath Thakur, along with senior officials, scientists, and stakeholders from across the region.
The day-long event will feature thematic sessions on major agricultural initiatives, including the Kisan Credit Card scheme, the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, the Pulses Self-Sufficiency Mission, and the National Mission on Edible Oils–Oilseeds. Discussions will also cover the Farmer Registry under the Digital Agriculture Mission.
Officials said the conference aims to provide a platform for sharing best practices and addressing practical challenges in the agriculture sector. Representatives from Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), agri-startups, banks, and food processing units are expected to participate, ensuring a broad-based exchange of ideas.
Key issues such as the regulation of counterfeit pesticides and fertilisers, improving distribution systems, and promoting balanced nutrient usage will also be taken up during the sessions. A presentation by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research on integrated farming systems is expected to highlight sustainable and diversified agricultural models, particularly for small and marginal farmers.
Participating states including Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are expected to showcase their agricultural practices, while the host state Uttar Pradesh will present initiatives such as intercropping with sugarcane and direct seeding of paddy.
The conference will conclude with a review of discussions and recommendations from participating regions, with an emphasis on strengthening coordination and advancing farmer-centric agricultural policies across North India.
