Help farmers in adopting new technology: Adviser to officials

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 9

Adviser to the Governor Khurshid Ahmad Ganai on Monday stressed identifying appropriate technological advances in the field of agriculture and helping the farmers to adopt them so that it leads to overall progress of the vital sector.

He said this while chairing a review meeting of Agriculture Production Department.

Emphasising on bridging the gap between farmers and officials, the Adviser exhorted them to impart technical skills for improving their agricultural produce.

“The role of our agricultural universities is of paramount importance in research and practically implementing its results in the field. For this, the farmers have to be taken on board as they are the principal stakeholders,” he added.

Calling for close monitoring of schemes, especially flagship Central programmes, Ganai said increasing the frequency of the interactions with the farming community would yield better results in the agricultural sector.

Describing entrepreneurship in the farming sector as pivotal for its growth, the Adviser asked the officials to make strenuous efforts to motivate farmers to open bank accounts so that it becomes easier for them to avail benefits entailed under various schemes, aimed at promoting farming in the state.

He also directed them to frame and augment a comprehensive plan for increasing vegetable production in the state, especially targeting exports which generate good revenue and creates ample job opportunities.

He also directed the agriculture secretary to immediately move proposals with the Planning, Finance and General Administration Departments to fill all vacant posts so that the department functions at optimum capacity.

Asking the department to operationalise biometric attendance to scale up accountability, besides canceling all attachments in pursuance to the orders issued by the government.