Kupwara, Nov 29 (JKNS): Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar on Saturday visited the frontier district of Kupwara and presided over a Mega Kissan Mela held at the District Agriculture Complex.
The event was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani; MLA Trehgam, Mir Saifullah; MLA Lolab, Qaiser Jamsheed Lone; Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Shrikant Suse; Director Agriculture, Sartaj Ahmad Shah; Director Horticulture, Planning and Marketing, Ghulam Jeelani Zargar; and ADDC Kupwara, Mufti Fareed-u-Din. A large number of farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, officers, and stakeholders from across the district were also present.
Upon arrival, the Minister inspected various departmental stalls set up by Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Sericulture, Fisheries, Sheep Husbandry, and different Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). He reviewed ongoing agricultural initiatives, interacted with farmers, and underscored the government’s commitment to transforming the agriculture sector through technology-driven, farmer-centric policies. The Minister also distributed entitlements, including sanction letters, vehicle keys, and cheques among beneficiaries.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Javid Ahmad Dar lauded the unique agricultural potential of Kupwara and praised its hardworking farming community. He reiterated the government’s resolve to strengthen farm-based livelihoods, improve productivity, and expand market access. He urged farmers to adopt scientific and modern agricultural practices to enhance income and living standards.
He instructed the Director Agriculture to organise more Kissan Melas across the district to spread awareness about welfare schemes and modern agricultural advancements.
Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, also addressed the gathering and stressed the need for covering the maximum population under government schemes to ensure widespread benefits for the frontier district.
MLA Trehgam and MLA Lolab spoke on the occasion, highlighting the challenges faced by the district in agriculture and allied sectors.
Earlier, the Chief Agriculture Officer Kupwara presented an overview of the district’s agricultural profile and ongoing initiatives.
The Mega Kissan Mela showcased advanced farm machinery, high-yielding crop varieties, soil health products, organic farming inputs, integrated farming models, and detailed information on centrally sponsored schemes. Experts from Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Sericulture, and allied departments provided on-the-spot technical guidance to farmers. (JKNS)
