UDHAMPUR: A Kissan cum awareness mela was organized by the Department of Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture Scheme at Bharnara of Tehsil Majalta.
As many as 400 farmers participated in the mela. The event aimed to disseminate latest agriculture technologies, generate awareness about government support schemes and encourage adoption of high-value crops among farmers of the area.
Member Legislative Assembly Udhampur East, Ranbir Singh Pathania graced the occasion as chief guest, while Chief Agriculture Officer Vikas Padha presided over the function.
A large number of farmers, progressive growers, SHG members and departmental officials participated in the mela.
The MLA emphasised the need for harnessing MIDH and other central and UT schemes to diversify farming towards fruits, vegetables, spices and plantation crops. He urged farmers to avail benefits of planting material subsidies, protected cultivation, micro-irrigation and post-harvest management support being extended through the department.
Chief Agriculture Officer highlighted key interventions under MIDH, HADP and other flagship schemes in Udhampur, including area expansion in niche crops, promotion of quality planting material, establishment of new nurseries under commercial floriculture and support for farm infrastructure such as polyhouses, shade nets and drip irrigation. He also briefed farmers about ongoing registration drives and documentation required for scheme availing.
Besides, Sudhir Manhas DAO (Extn), Vinod Gupta ADO Veg, Pawan Talwar Apiculture Development Officer, Sunil Gupta Assistant Soil Chemist, Ashwani Abrol SDAO Ramnagar, SMS SDL Ramnagar and other officers from allied departments were present on the occasion.
