DC reviews progress of Agriculture & Allied Sectors in Pulwama

• Stresses diversification of KKGs, timely credit support to farmers

PULWAMA: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom today chaired a comprehensive review meeting of Agriculture and Allied Sectors at the Administrative Complex Pulwama to assess the progress achieved under various flagship schemes and programmes including the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), Jammu and Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project(JKCIP), Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME), National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM), Kisan Credit Card (KCC), Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, and other farmer welfare initiatives.

During the meeting, the officers of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries departments gave detailed presentations highlighting the physical and financial achievements under their respective sectors, status of applications, beneficiary coverage, credit linkage, expenditure and implementation of various schemes.

The Deputy Commissioner reviewed the progress achieved under HADP and JKCIP and stressed upon the concerned departments to ensure timely disposal of pending applications. He directed the officers to saturate the establishment of approved units and ensure regular monitoring and tracking of established units under the scheme to achieve the intended outcomes under various interventions.

Reviewing the functioning of Kisan Khidmat Ghars (KKGs), the DC emphasized the need for diversification of services being offered through these centres. He laid the stress on the functioning of KKGs and directed the Agriculture Department to transform KKGs into vibrant one-stop service centres by promoting testing facilities, agri-implements, vermicompost units, apiculture, mushroom cultivation and other income-generating activities. 

The DC also reviewed the status of Kisan Credit Cards(KCC) and directed the concerned departments and banking institutions to expedite the processing of pending cases and ensure that all eligible farmers are covered under institutional credit facilities. Reviewing the status of inactive KCC accounts, he directed the concerned departments and banking authorities to take necessary measures for their activation so that farmers can effectively avail credit benefits. He further directed the officers to create awareness among farmers regarding the Prompt Repayment Incentive so that farmers can avail the benefit.

During the meeting, the DC also reviewed the implementation of the National Digital Livestock Mission and stressed upon the importance of accurate data management for effective planning and delivery of livestock services. 

The Deputy Commissioner further directed the Horticulture, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries Departments to focus on quality asset creation, timely completion of approved units and effective tracking of beneficiaries under output monitoring systems. He emphasized regular field monitoring and verification to ensure that benefits reach the intended beneficiaries and create sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Highlighting the significance of the agriculture and allied sectors in the district’s economy, Dr. Qayoom called upon all departments to work in a coordinated manner for achieving the objectives of HADP and other flagship programmes. He stressed the need to promote entrepreneurship, strengthen value chains, improve market linkages and enhance farmers’ income through innovative and technology-driven interventions.

The meeting was attended by Chief Planning Officer, Pulwama; Chief Agriculture Officer; Chief Horticulture Officer; Chief Animal Husbandry Officer; District Sheep Husbandry Officer; Assistant Director Fisheries; Lead District Manager; and officers from Agriculture and allied departments.