Meet project deadlines, agriculture officials told

Agriculture Production Department Principal Secretary Shailendra Kumar has directed officials to ensure projects were completed on time.

The Principal Secretary issued this directive today during a meeting held to review the progress of projects being executed under the centrally sponsored schemes (CSS), capex budget, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP).

He emphasised the importance of ensuring timely execution and utilisation of funds, while addressing the challenges faced in the implementation of projects.

The Mission Director of HADP; Director, Agriculture Jammu; Director, Horticulture, Jammu; Director, Command Area Development, Jammu; Director, Finance APD; Secretary APD; Director Planning APD; Managing Director, JKAGROS; Director Research, SKUAST-J; Joint Directors of Agriculture and allied departments; Deputy Director Planning; scientists from SKUAST-J; Chief Agriculture Officers and Chief Horticulture Officers from all districts of the Jammu division; attended the meeting.

The officers presented detailed updates on the implementation status of various projects, challenges that they were facing and strategies to expedite pending activities under these schemes.

Shailendra also reviewed the significant advancements made under the HADP, which has been instrumental in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving farmers’ livelihoods.

He observed that special attention had been given to ensure the expenditure under the HADP, CSS and CAPEX projects align with the overall goal of infrastructure development in the sector. He also discussed CSS projects aimed at boosting rural prosperity in detail.

The Principal Secretary directed all departments to work in close coordination to meet the set targets for the financial year and ensure benefits of welfare schemes reach eligible beneficiaries at the grassroots level. He also stressed the need for proper monitoring mechanisms and regular updates on the progress of all projects.

The review included a specific assessment of the Baba Jitto Irrigation Project, with a call for increased focus on Rainfed Area Development.

The meeting concluded with an action plan aimed at accelerating the completion of ongoing projects and reinforcing the commitment to enhancing the agricultural ecosystem in the region.