RAJOURI: The Agriculture Department Rajouri on Wednesday organised a district-level sensitisation and educational workshop under the Project and Knowledge Management component of the Annual Work Plan and Budget 2025–26 of the Jammu and Kashmir Competitiveness in Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP).
Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, who presided over the programme, interacted with farmers, youth and other stakeholders from different parts of the district.
Addressing the gathering, the DC stressed the importance of crop diversification and urged young people to move away from traditional farming methods. He encouraged them to adopt innovative, market-linked and technology-driven agricultural practices to improve productivity and income.
He informed that JKCIP benefits are currently being extended in four blocks — Rajouri, Thanamandi, Darhal and Budhal — while farmers from other blocks can avail support under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP).
The DC advised interested beneficiaries to register through the official JKCIP website, visit Kisan Khidmat Ghars and seek guidance from Krishi Unnati centres. He added that approved applicants would be provided proper training to ensure effective implementation of the schemes. Emphasising dedication, he said sincerity, seriousness and consistent effort are essential for achieving meaningful results.
Highlighting the role of technology in agriculture and allied sectors, he said modern tools and practices can significantly enhance farm income. He also pointed out that Self Help Groups and youth clubs can play a key role in spreading awareness and ensuring successful implementation of government schemes at the grassroots level.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Malikzada Sheraz-ul-Haq, also addressed the participants and called upon farmers to shift towards high-value and remunerative agricultural practices.
Chief Agriculture Officer Rajouri, Rajesh Verma, spoke on the need to move from subsistence farming to demand-driven agriculture. He highlighted the potential of crops like Baderwahi Rajma and pecan nuts, stressing that cultivation should be aligned with market demand. He also said youth clubs can actively contribute to plantation drives, waste management, cleanliness campaigns and awareness about JKCIP.
During the workshop, departments including Agriculture, Horticulture, Fisheries, Animal and Sheep Husbandry set up stalls to spread awareness about various government schemes and shared best practices related to agriculture and allied sectors.
Farmers from far-flung areas of the district participated enthusiastically, turning the workshop into a meaningful platform for interaction, learning and capacity building.
