Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Anshul Garg, today chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the progress of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSSs) and Union Territory (UT) schemes under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), with a special focus on agriculture and sericulture sectors.
The meeting was attended by the Director of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Additional Director Sericulture, Deputy Director Planning, and other senior officials from concerned departments.
During the meeting, the Div Com took a detailed review of the implementation status of schemes aimed at improving agricultural productivity, creating employment, and enhancing farmers’ income.
Emphasizing the importance of measurable outcomes, Div Com Garg directed officials to ensure that the benefits of all schemes reach the grassroots level. He also highlighted the need to bridge the gap between the targets set and actual on-ground achievements.
In line with promoting market access for local produce, the Div Com stressed the integration of digital platforms and encouraged the departments to explore collaborations with major e-commerce platforms like Amazon. He said such efforts can significantly enhance visibility and returns for Kashmir's agri-products.
The Agriculture Department was directed to accelerate the distribution of high-yielding, scientifically validated crop varieties to improve per hectare productivity. He also called for greater promotion of high-return agricultural practices such as mushroom cultivation and sericulture, as part of an integrated farming model.
Calling for visible improvement in livelihood indicators in rural areas, the Div Com urged departments to ensure quantifiable progress in scheme outcomes.
Earlier, the Director of Agriculture gave a comprehensive presentation covering the status of cultivated areas, irrigation coverage, productivity levels, and a future roadmap for sustainable growth and food security. He informed that 16 schemes are being implemented under HADP, in addition to other CSS and UT-level interventions.
The Sericulture Department also provided a sectoral update, highlighting its historical significance in Kashmir, current initiatives, and its vision to boost silk production and engage more farmers in sericulture.
The Div Com reiterated that strategic planning, effective execution, and farmer-centric policies are key to transforming the agriculture sector and ensuring inclusive rural development.