Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today addressed the closing Ceremony of Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan at SKUAST Kashmir’s Mountain Research Centre for Field Crops at Khudwani-Kulgam.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor commended the valuable contribution of everyone associated with the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan for marking a transformative step, through this initiative, toward building a resilient, modern, and prosperous agricultural landscape in the Union Territory.
“Our ultimate goal is to make every farmer in J&K UT a proud stakeholder in India's journey toward becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Let us walk together towards a future where every field blooms with prosperity, every farmer thrives with dignity and every village becomes a symbol of development. With Sankalp (resolve) comes Shakti (strength) and with Shakti comes Vikas (development),” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor reiterated the commitment of J&K Administration, under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to build a stronger farm economy, increasing rural employment opportunities and enhancing farmer's income
J&K had launched similar initiative in 2022 through Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP), the first revolutionary program in agriculture in any state or UT in recent times. It is a comprehensive strategy, designed to make J&K UT a robust Rs. 1 trillion agricultural economy by 2030, he said.
The Lieutenant Governor, in his address, highlighted several targeted initiatives taken by the Administration for the upliftment of the forest-dwelling tribal communities and those engaged in agriculture and allied sectors.
He said, the J&K also has a special focus on the development of our tribal farming communities, Gujjars, Bakarwals, Paharis, and other STs, who are the custodians of our forests, mountains and traditional wisdom.
“The active participation from every district in Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan reflects our collective commitment to a self-reliant J&K.
Let us continue this spirit of progress and partnership to ensure sustainable growth and improved livelihoods for our farming communities,” the Lieutenant Governor further said.
The occasion also marked the beginning of transplantation of rice.
The Lieutenant Governor called upon officials and scientists to ensure that the awareness, reforms and outreach achieved through this campaign become embedded in our systems and governance frameworks.
"Let this Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan not just end in ceremonies and reports, but continue to resonate in our policies, partnerships, and priorities," the Lieutenant Governor said.
Progressive farmers shared their success stories and expressed gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor led J&K Administration for the support and hand-holding.
Responding to the issues raised by the farmers, the Lieutenant Governor asked the Agriculture Minister J&K for addressing the issue of the extension of benefits under PM Fasal Bima Yojana to Farmers associated with the Horticulture Sector on priority.
The Lieutenant Governor also launched various initiatives and publications of SKUAST Kashmir and handed over sanctioned letters to farmers from tribal communities under different schemes. He also congratulated the Mountain Research Centre for Field Crops for the development of 20 rice varieties keeping in mind the agro-ecology of Kashmir.
A Two- minute silence was observed in the memory of citizens who lost their lives in the Pahalgam Terror Attack.
Through the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, farmers are being educated on advanced agricultural research tailored to their specific area's needs. In J&K, this campaign has successfully reached over 2.80 lakh farmers, providing crucial information on low-cost, high-production, and more sustainable and profitable modern agricultural techniques, resources, and schemes.
Shri Javid Ahmad Dar, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj; Ms Sakina Itoo, Minister for Education, Health & Medical Education and Social Welfare; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Prof Nazir Ah. Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST Kashmir, Shri VK Birdi, IGP Kashmir, scientists, experts, faculty, students and members from farming community were present.
Shri Mohd Afzal Parray, Chairman, DDC Kulgam; Members of Legislative Assembly, HoDs, and prominent citizens from all walks of life were also present.