Baramulla, October 24, 2017: Union Minister of state for Agriculture and Farmers welfare Gajendra Singh Shekawat todayformally launched “Sankalp Se Siddhi” programme here at a function organised by Krishi Vigyan Kendra Baramulla.
The programme was launched by the union government on the 75th anniversary of the Quit India Movement with the aim to help the lower income groups and to double the farmers income by 2022. Sankalp Se Siddhi which literally means “Determination to Attainment” is an integrated scheme, supervised by Union Agricultural Ministry as part of New India movement. It will last for a period of five years from 2017-22 during which various social and economical issues will be covered.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister stressed upon the importance of development of new technologies to improve the productivity of crops for doubling farmers income. He said that the Union as well as state government is committed to double farmers income by 2022.
Shri Gajendra said that seminars, awareness camps, kisan melas and conferences should be regularly conducted. He stressed on the need for educating the farmers about the benefits of organic farming and updating them about the latest technological advancements in the farming sector. He said that organic farming requires less investment for cultivation but is much more profitable than conventionally grown crops. He further said that comprehensive agriculture policy is the priority of the government and concerted efforts are being made to realize the dream of doubling farmers income by 2022. The minister said that Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) has been implemented in the state under which the government targets to provide sufficient water for irrigation to every field.
Speaking on the occasion, MoS Agriculture Government of J&K, Shri Sunil Kumaar Sharma emphasized the need for better application of technology towards enhanced farm productivity. He said that this can be achieved through coordinated efforts by all concerned and KVKs can play a significant role in this direction. He added that there is a need to aware farmers about availability of facilities and KVK should help them in identifying right technology for appropriate and timely application so that they are benefitted.
Member of Parliament Muzaffar Hussain Beig speaking on the occasion highlighted importance of agriculture towards improving living standards of farmers particularly through application of modern scientific techniques wherein KVK can play much greater role. “In a State where sources of revenue are meagre and need for creating employment avenues skyrocketing, agriculture and allied sectors can offer vast opportunities for ameliorating this need to some extent” said Beig.
MLA Gulmarg, Mohammad Abbas Wani while thanking Union MoS Agriculture for choosing Tangmarg as host for his maiden visit to J&K reiterated the significance of horticulture for ensuring sound economic health of the people of Tangmarg.
Later the Minister laid the foundation stone of the Administrative block of KVK at Mangloora area of baramulla district.
Among others Minister of State for Agriculture, Transport, Revenue, pwd, RDD and panchayati Raj, youth services and sports Sunil Kumar Sharma Member Parliment Muzaffar Hussain Beigh, Vice chairman Kisan Advisory Board Daljit Singh Chib, MLA Gulmarg Mohammad Abbas Wani, District Development Commissioner Baramulla Dr Nasir Ahmad Naqash, Dr Manoj Kumar Senior Scientiest KVK Baramulla, representatives of various departments besides a huge gathering of farmers were present on the occasion.
(Press Information Bureau GOI Srinagar)