KISHTWAR: Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma today chaired a review meeting to assess the progress of the Jammu & Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP) in the district.

The meeting focused on enhancing coordination among departments and ensuring effective and timely implementation of key government schemes aimed at supporting the farming community.

The Deputy Commissioner directed the Agriculture Department to encourage the farmers to take benefit of different components of the JKCIP, including saffron, medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP), water management, protective cultivation, mushroom cultivation, and honey production.

It was informed that a total of 9 applications have been received so far-seven from Kishtwar, one each from Mughalmaidan and Palmar, while no applications have been received from Nagseni and Thakrie blocks.

FLOs of Block Nagseni and Thakrie were specifically instructed to motivate the local farmers to apply and avail the benefits of the Project.

The Chief Agriculture Officer (CAO) was directed to organize training sessions for FLOs to update them on the process of filing of application and preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs).

The FLOs were also asked to involve the Krishi Kalyan Groups (KKGs) of their respective blocks to mobilize more applications.

Similarly, the FLOs of the Horticulture Department were instructed to encourage fruit growers to seek support for apple, walnut and kiwi plantation. It was informed that 8 applications have been received under horticulture so far.

The District Sheep Husbandry Department was asked to expedite application collection and conduct the District Level Implementation Committee (DLIC) meeting for approved cases. A total of 38 applications have been received in this sector.

In addition, the FPO Development Office was directed to initiate the formation of Youth Clubs under the Environment Protection Fund, as part of the component related to support for pastoralists.

The Lead Bank Manager was also directed to nominate a banking representative for the upcoming KSA Rural Credit Workshop.

The Deputy Commissioner urged all departments to work in coordination and intensify their efforts to reach out to eligible beneficiaries to ensure the successful implementation of the JKCIP in Kishtwar.

The meeting was attended by CAO Kishtwar Kushal Chandel, CHO Kishtwar Sajid Mustafa, DSHO Kishtwar, LDM Kishtwar besides other senior officers and concerned staff.