Asif Malik
Srinagar, Mar 29 ; Cabinet Minister Javid Ahmad Dar on Sunday inaugurated the District Kisan Mela here and emphasised the government’s commitment to strengthening the agriculture sector as a key pillar of development in the Union Territory.
The event, organised by the Department of Agriculture at Lal Mandi, witnessed the minister handing over financial assistance sanctions and agri-mechanisation equipment to beneficiaries.
Speaking on news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) on the sidelines of function minister Dar said the exhibition featured stalls set up by the agriculture department along with allied sectors, including animal husbandry, sheep husbandry, rural development and horticulture.
He said that cheques were distributed to progressive farmers in recognition of their better performance.
The minister acknowledged the challenges encountered during the previous financial year, citing the Pahalgam incident, Operation Sindoor and natural disasters, which he said had affected the expected pace of expenditure.
Despite the hurdles, he said, officials worked tirelessly to achieve the set targets.
Minister Dar commended the agriculture department and allied sectors for their efforts and observed that such events provide valuable exposure to entrepreneurs who have been working diligently over the years.
He announced that the government would organise a large-scale farm fair in every district during the upcoming financial year, featuring maximum stalls to enable farmers to benefit from advancements in mechanisation, upgradation, and central government schemes, including HADP, JK-SIPP and other Union government initiatives. (KNS)
