J&K emerges as leader in implementing innovative agricultural initiatives: Lt Governor

Jammu, March 24: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Monday attended the ‘Krishak Mela 2025’ at R.S. Pura campus of SKUAST, Jammu.
The Lieutenant Governor felicitated the progressive Farmers, and also inaugurated four facilities at the campus that will strengthen education, research, and farmer training.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor spoke on the remarkable transformation taking place in the Agriculture and Allied sector of UT of J&K, under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He reaffirmed his commitment to drive agricultural advancement in Jammu Kashmir.
“We have taken various innovative steps to transform Agricultural landscape of Jammu Kashmir including the launch of flagship project Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP). For the last three consecutive years, J&K has set a record of productivity in agriculture and allied sector.
Earlier, we used to adopt extension models and schemes of other states, but now J&K has emerged as a leader in implementing innovative agricultural initiatives that are being cited as models by other states,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He also shared the key initiatives taken by the government to increase productivity and make the agriculture sector more viable through policy interventions, sustainable practices, advanced technologies, and innovative marketing methods.
“We have successfully secured GI tags for several traditional products, enhancing their market value and ensuring authenticity. Efforts are underway to obtain GI recognition for more local products, boosting the export potential and market visibility of the region,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor commended the SKUAST Jammu for successfully running outreach programme through KVKs and research stations to explore strengths and opportunities in the region.
He directed the University to reinforce its outreach to farmers through direct personal contact, ensuring that research-driven innovations and best practices effectively reach the grassroots level.
Incubation Centre of SKUAST-Jammu has already incubated more than 100 youths and supported 35 startups obtaining support from Union Ministry of Agriculture. Efforts should be further strengthened to drive agricultural transformation and economic growth, he added.
The Lieutenant Governor visited the stalls put up by the farmers, Farmers Producers Organizations and various line departments. He also released a publication “Krishi Adharit Udhyamon ke Madhyam Se: Sashakt aur Smriddh Bhavishya ki Kheti” compiled and edited by KVK, Jammu and launched a Mobile App -Radio Kissan SKUAST Jammu 90.8 FM.
The Krishak Mela is aimed to showcase modern agricultural technologies, promote sustainable farming practices and provide a platform for knowledge exchange among farmers, scientists and policymakers.
The facilities inaugurated by the Lieutenant Governor includes: Fully Automated Poultry Production Unit equipped with advanced infrastructure designed to enhance poultry farming efficiency and sustainability including PG Lab on Poultry Research; Sanskriti PG Girls’ Hostel; Faculty Club and Residential Quarters.
Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Prof. B N Tripathi, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST Jammu; Dr Amrish Vaid Director Extension, SKUAST Jammu; Dr Rajesh Katoch Dean, F.V.SC. & AH SKUAST Jammu, senior officials, HoDs, faculty members and large number of farmers were present.