Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo today remarked that institutions like SKUAST-K have a pivotal role in promoting research and innovation in the agricultural sector.

The Minister stated this while addressing a function held on the sidelines of live telecast of launch of PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, organized by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) of SKUAST-K at Pombay.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister emphasized on the need for greater collaboration between scientific institutions and the farming community to ensure sustainable agricultural growth.

The Minister said that much more needs to be done in the agriculture and allied sectors to improve productivity and profitability. She urged concerned departments to provide continuous handholding to farmers and equip them with the latest technologies and scientific know-how for crop improvement.

Highlighting the recent challenges faced by farmers, the Minister noted that adverse weather conditions and closure of the National Highway have caused substantial losses to the farming community. She stressed that agricultural scientists need to come on front and play a proactive role in guiding farmers towards high-yield and climate-resilient crops.

Lauding the role of Sher-i-Kashmir, Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah on upliftment of farming community, the Minister said that the Sher-i-Kashmir’s land reforms are known across the globe for improving the conditions of farming community.

Speaking on various initiatives of government on development of agriculture sector, Minister Sakeena said that most services are now available online, making it essential to ensure proper facilitation and awareness among farmers so they can avail themselves of government schemes and programmes. She highlighted various welfare measures undertaken for the poor and underprivileged, including the revival of stalled projects, enhancement of marriage aid schemes.

The Minister reiterated that the government, under the leadership of Omar Abdullah, is committed to ensuring farmers’ prosperity and economic independence.

She said that the government remains steadfast in its mission to work for the welfare of all sections of society and to deliver on the promises made to the people.

The Minister also distributed farm Kits among the ST community members.

MLA Devsar, Peerzada Feroz Ahmad, and DDC Chairperson, Mohammad Afzal, also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts between departments and institutions to strengthen the agriculture sector in the district.

Director Extension SKUAST-K, Dr. Rihana Habib; Head KVK Pombay, Prof. Manzoor Ahmad; other concerned officers, large number of farmers and locals were also present on the occasion.