Javid Dar pushes farmer-centric approach, tighter input regulation in Jammu. Minister reviews agriculture, horticulture sectors; inaugurates seed processing unit at Chinor
JAMMU, AUGUST 27: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Election Department Javid Ahmad Dar on Thursday called for a farmer-centric and outcome-oriented approach to strengthen agriculture and horticulture in Jammu division, improve farm incomes and ensure better delivery of government schemes.
During his visit to Jammu, the Minister reviewed the functioning of the Agriculture and Horticulture departments, interacted with farmers, issued directions for stricter regulation of agricultural inputs and inaugurated a Seed Separation and Processing Unit at Agriculture Farm Chinor.
Farmers’ concerns reviewed
Dar was speaking at an interactive session with farmers organised by the Department of Horticulture Jammu at Kisan Kendra, Talab Tillo. MLA Jammu West Arvind Gupta attended the programme as guest of honour.
Director Horticulture Jammu Gul Syed, Director Rural Development Jammu Shanaz Akhter, Director Animal Husbandry Jammu Sanjay Gupta, senior officers of the Horticulture Department and allied departments, besides farmers, were present.
The interaction provided farmers an opportunity to raise concerns related to incentives, quality planting material, market support and measures needed to improve horticultural production, productivity and profitability.
Responding to the concerns, Dar assured the farmers that their genuine issues would be examined and addressed through coordinated interventions. He stressed the need for continuous engagement with the farming community so that government policies and schemes remain aligned with ground realities.
The Minister released the Handbook of the Department of Horticulture Jammu, containing information on modern horticultural practices, departmental schemes, technologies and farmer-oriented interventions. He also distributed sanction letters under various components of horticulture schemes among eligible beneficiaries.
Dar subsequently flagged off buses carrying farmers for an educational and exposure visit to Government Fruit Plant Nurseries in Jammu and Samba.
The farmers will also visit Krishi Vigyan Kendra Samba, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Jammu, SKUAST-Jammu and Chakroi Farm to gain practical exposure to modern nursery management, scientific fruit production, field demonstrations and advanced agricultural technologies.
Crackdown on spurious pesticides, substandard inputs
Chairing a review meeting of the Horticulture Department, Dar directed officers to intensify enforcement against the sale and distribution of fake and spurious pesticides.
He called for regular inspections and stronger monitoring mechanisms to safeguard farmers against substandard agricultural inputs.
The Minister also directed the department to regulate agencies involved in the supply of planting material and ensure that only quality and certified fruit plants reach farmers.
He called for strengthening government nurseries and expanding the availability of quality planting material at subsidised rates, stressing that robust nursery infrastructure and timely availability of healthy plants would be critical to expanding modern horticulture in Jammu division.
Dar further directed officials to undertake a scientific assessment of horticultural potential and identify areas best suited for fresh and dry fruit cultivation.
He called for location-specific and crop-specific plans based on agro-climatic conditions, available resources and market demand to encourage farmers to adopt crops capable of generating sustainable returns.
Agriculture schemes reviewed
The Minister also chaired a review meeting of the Agriculture Department at Talab Tillo, where he assessed the physical and financial progress of various schemes and programmes being implemented across Jammu division.
Detailed discussions were held on Capex, Centrally Sponsored Schemes, the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), NABARD works, Jammu and Kashmir Comprehensive Investment Plan (JKCIP) and other UT-funded initiatives.
Director Agriculture Jammu Anil Gupta presented a district-wise overview of ongoing projects, fund releases and expenditure under different schemes.
Dar reviewed the current year’s financial performance as well as crop-wise area, production and productivity achieved during 2025-26.
He directed officers to ensure timely utilisation of funds and completion of ongoing projects within stipulated timelines. He also stressed close monitoring of scheme implementation so that benefits reach farmers without delay.
Dedicated input enforcement toll post at Lakhanpur
Giving special emphasis to the regulation of agricultural inputs, Dar directed the establishment of a dedicated enforcement toll post at Lakhanpur to ensure compliance with rules governing fertilisers, pesticides and seeds.
He called for intensified enforcement and regular field inspections to prevent the movement and sale of substandard, spurious or unauthorised agricultural inputs.
The Minister also directed senior officers to undertake frequent field visits and personally monitor agricultural activities and enforcement measures.
“Protecting the farmers from poor-quality inputs must remain a priority,” Dar said, calling for effective coordination among concerned agencies to ensure strict implementation of prescribed regulations.
Describing agriculture as the “backbone of our economy”, he said strengthening the sector was crucial for improving farmers’ incomes, generating rural employment, ensuring food security and strengthening the rural economy.
He called upon officers to adopt a result-oriented and farmer-centric approach with greater emphasis on modern technology, scientific interventions, field-level monitoring and efficient delivery of government schemes.
Seed processing unit inaugurated at Chinor
Later, Dar visited Agriculture Farm Chinor and inaugurated a Seed Separation and Processing Unit, adding to the farm’s seed production and processing infrastructure.
The facility will facilitate systematic cleaning, grading, processing and treatment of harvested seed lots, helping remove foreign matter, weed seeds and damaged or inferior kernels while improving seed purity, quality and germination potential.
The Minister emphasised the importance of quality seed in improving crop productivity and farmers’ economic returns.
He stressed the adoption of modern scientific techniques in seed processing, treatment and management to ensure the availability of pure, healthy and high-germination seed to farmers.
Dar said strengthening seed processing infrastructure would help improve the quality of agricultural inputs and reduce farmers’ dependence on external sources.
He directed the department to ensure optimum utilisation of the new facility and extend its benefits to a larger number of farmers.
The Minister also reviewed the functioning of Agriculture Farm Chinor and called for modernisation of farm operations, efficient utilisation of available resources and adoption of improved agricultural practices.
He directed that the farm be developed as a demonstration and knowledge-support centre where farmers can gain exposure to modern technologies, improved seed varieties and scientific farming practices.
MLA Marh Surinder Kumar Bhagat accompanied the Minister during the visit.
Senior officers and officials of the Agriculture Department, including Managing Director JKHPMC Dr Farooq Ahmad Dar, Joint Directors and Chief Agriculture Officers of Jammu division, were present during the review meeting and farm visit.
