SRINAGAR: Approximately 750 farmers from across the Kashmir Valley gathered at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) on Saturday to participate in a live webcast of the Prime Minister’s PM-KISAN programme. The event coincided with the release of the 23rd installment of funds under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the national event, held simultaneously in Tarakeswar, West Bengal, saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi disbursing Rs 18,880 crore via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). This initiative will benefit over 9.44 crore farmers nationwide, providing crucial income support.
The SKUAST-K webcast was attended by 510 male and 240 female farmers representing various districts of Kashmir. The programme also served as a platform to disseminate information on government initiatives designed to bolster the agricultural sector and improve the livelihoods of farmers.
Javid Ahmad Dar, Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives, and Elections, was the chief guest at the event. He addressed the gathering, lauding the PM-KISAN scheme as a transformative initiative that has provided timely financial assistance to farmers across the country.
Minister Dar emphasized the scheme’s significant role in supporting the farming community and contributing to agricultural sustainability. He also noted the increasing involvement of young people in agriculture, encouraging farmers to leverage opportunities presented by flagship programmes such as the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and the Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP).
Professor Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-K, spoke about the importance of farmer-centric schemes. He highlighted the critical role of agricultural institutions in bridging the gap between scientific research and its practical application by farmers in the field. Professor Ganai reiterated the university’s commitment to supporting farmers through research, innovation, and extension services aimed at enhancing productivity and farm incomes.
Earlier, Professor Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, welcomed the attendees. She detailed the Directorate’s efforts in connecting farmers with contemporary agricultural technologies, best practices, and new innovations. The programme also featured the release of two significant publications: the UT-Level Action Plan for the National Campaign Khet Bachao Abhiyan and a compendium titled Farmers Scheme Guide.
The event was attended by senior university officials, scientists, extension professionals, students, and progressive farmers, underscoring the collaborative effort to advance the agricultural landscape in the region.
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