Shadow Correspondent
Samba, JUNE 15:
As part of the ongoing flagship awareness campaign “Khet Bachao Abhiyan”, an awareness programme was organised today at Ramgarh in Samba under the chairmanship of Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), Ramgarh, Dr Devinder Kumar Manyal, in the presence of Director Agriculture Jammu Anil Gupta.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Dr Devinder Kumar Manyal emphasised the importance of conserving soil health and adopting sustainable agricultural practices to ensure long-term productivity and profitability of farming.
He urged farmers to make judicious use of fertilisers and pesticides, adopt soil test-based nutrient management and avail the various schemes and programmes being implemented by the Agriculture Department. Dr Manyal called upon farmers to actively participate in such initiatives.
Addressing the gathering, Director Agriculture Anil Gupta highlighted the importance of soil health management, balanced use of fertilisers and adoption of modern agricultural practices for enhancing farm productivity and ensuring long-term sustainability. He emphasised the need to expand the area under pulses and oilseed crops to strengthen nutritional security, improve soil fertility and reduce dependence on imports of edible oils. The Director informed farmers about various departmental initiatives and government schemes aimed at promoting crop diversification, increasing farmers’ income and encouraging climate-resilient agriculture.
Later, the MLA and the Director visited agriculture display stalls set up by the Agriculture Department, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) and progressive farmers. They interacted with exhibitors and obtained first-hand information about the technologies, innovations, products and activities on showcase.
Earlier, CAO Rakesh Khajuria briefed participants about the various agricultural development activities being undertaken in the district.
Among those present were Joint Director Agriculture (SLUB/Farms) Jammu Aman Jyoti Sharma, Chief Scientist and Head KVK Samba Prof Sanjay Khajuria, Deputy Director (Trainings) Karuna Nidhi, public representatives, progressive farmers, officers and field functionaries of Agriculture and allied departments, besides a large number of farmers from different parts of Samba district.
