Govt working on plan to revive saffron mission: Javid Dar

Srinagar, Nov 11: Jammu and Kashmir Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar on Wednesday acknowledged shortcomings in the implementation of the saffron development mission, saying the government was working on a revival plan under the Jammu and Kashmir Saffron and Integrated Production Programme (JK-SIPP).
Admitting that the earlier mission had not been implemented as envisaged, Dar said the government was identifying areas for intervention and consulting senior scientists from the Agriculture Department and the concerned university to improve saffron cultivation.
“It is true that the mission was not carried out as it should have been. There are several problems, and I would not like to go into the details,” Dar said.
He said limited landholdings among farmers and difficulties in managing agricultural activities had posed challenges to the implementation of the mission.
The minister said the government was planning to take up the matter with the concerned MLA before formulating a comprehensive policy to address the issues affecting saffron growers.
“We are trying to rejuvenate it under JK-SIPP. We have identified some areas under the programme and are making efforts to improve the situation,” he said.
Minister Dar said consultations were also being held with senior scientists and experts to ensure that the revival efforts were based on scientific inputs and modern technology.
On agricultural research and innovation, the minister said the government was providing adequate financial support to the Agriculture Department and the university to promote research and introduce modern technologies for farmers.
He said special camps were being organised to familiarise farmers with new agricultural innovations and ensure that research conducted by institutions translated into benefits at the grassroots level.
Highlighting the university’s achievements, minister Dar said its patents had received international recognition and its research performance and ranking had improved considerably over the past four to five years.
He said the achievements of the institution deserved appreciation, adding that the government was committed to strengthening agricultural research.
Regarding the demand for farm mechanisation, Dar said the government had received considerable applications from farmers and was working to meet the demand through available schemes.
He said a five-year scheme was being implemented to achieve the targets in the sector.
On reports of differences within the National Conference, Dar dismissed speculation about an internal crisis, asserting that the party remained strong.
He said senior party leaders, including Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, had held discussions with legislators, adding that political differences should not be interpreted as signs of a party crisis.
Dar said the government, legislators and the public needed to work together to address the issues confronting Jammu and Kashmir. (KNS)