GANDERBAL: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore today presided over a mega awareness camp on the recently launched JK Competitiveness Improvement Project (JKCIP), Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and other schemes of Agriculture and allied sectors in Lar, Ganderbal.

The day-long camp, organized by the Horticulture department Ganderbal, at the Model Vineyard Orchard, Kralbagh Lar witnessed overwhelming participation from farmers, progressive grape growers, and locals from across the district.

DC, in his address lauded the grape production in Repora, Lar, calling it a unique and high-quality variety not commonly found elsewhere in the country.

He assured the farmers that the administration is committed to supporting grape growers through enhanced facilities for processing, packaging, and market linkage to improve profitability.

He highlighted the immense potential of grape cultivation in Lar, a prominent grape-producing belt of the district and encouraged them to avail benefits of schemes offered by the department.

DC emphasized the importance of such camps in educating the farming community about flagship schemes, including the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), Mission Yuva, and the recently launched JK Competitiveness Improvement Project (JKCIP).

He encouraged the participants for on-spot registrations for various initiatives like Daksh Kissan, HADP, JKCIP, and other schemes to enable farmers to access benefits directly.

He further assured that all issues and concerns raised during the camp would be addressed in a time-bound manner.

DC also announced that more such awareness initiatives will be organized in the future to ensure broader outreach and benefit for farmers and unemployed youth.

Earlier, DC visited the stalls installed by Agriculture, Horticulture, Sheep Husbandry, Fisheries and other departments which provided the public with detailed guidance on scheme benefits, eligibility criteria, and registration procedures.

During the day-long program, technical experts also conducted sessions on innovations and best practices in grape-based horticulture and allied sectors.

Later, DC also handed over authorization letters to beneficiaries under the HADP scheme for 2025-26, representing all agri-allied departments.

Among others, the event was attended by the Chief Planning Officer, Chief Agriculture Officer, Chief Horticulture Officer, LDM and other senior officers.