Jammu Tawi, June 23: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today inaugurated the Litchi Festival and Agriculture exhibition, organized by the Horticulture Department, at Jammu.
Sinha extended his felicitations to the progressive farmers, growers and all the stakeholders.
He said the unique initiative is a testimony to the unwavering commitment of the UT Administration to farmers' welfare and our determination to explore the new avenues to bring prosperity in their lives.
The Lt Governor highlighted the progressive reforms and policies of the UT Administration to tap the potential of agriculture and horticulture sectors.
“Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) has emerged as the game-changer for J&K's Agriculture and Allied Sector. 29 projects of HADP hold the potential to address the challenges faced by farmers and it will diversify income source,” the Lt Governor said.
He asked the Agricultural Universities to make dedicated interventions that can contribute to increase the farmer's income in the Litchi plantation sector.
JK administration has set a target to convert about 160 hectares of litchi cultivation into high density plantation in the coming few years, the Lt Governor observed. He assured all the necessary support and assistance from the administration to the farmers in marketing of litchi and other fruits.
The Lt Governor visited the stalls set-up by the farmers and entrepreneurs, and also felicitated the winners in the best stall category. A book on Litchi cultivation was also released on the occasion.
Progressive farmers shared their success stories and extended their gratitude to the government for progressive schemes like HADP. Bharat Bhushan, Chairman, DDC Jammu; Shailendra Kumar, Principal Secretary, Agriculture Production Department; Dr BN Tripathi, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST Jammu; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; senior officials, farmers and various stakeholders were present.
