Javid Ahmad Dar Advocates Integrated Farming for Sustainable Growth and Productivity
GANDERBAL: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperative, and Election Departments, Javid Ahmad Dar, on Sunday presided over the valedictory session of the Livestock Show–2025 (Pashudhan Mela) at SKUAST-K, Shuhama. The event was jointly organized by SKUAST-Kashmir and the J&K Dairy Farmers Association.
In his address, Minister Dar underscored the pivotal role of agriculture and allied sectors in driving socio-economic progress, particularly for rural communities dependent on these livelihoods. He emphasized the need for improved infrastructure, financial access, technological innovation, capacity building, and market connectivity to achieve sustainable growth and prosperity for farmers.
Highlighting the importance of integrated farming systems, Dar urged farmers to adopt a diversified approach combining crops, livestock, and allied enterprises. Such integration, he said, enhances productivity, profitability, and ecological balance, while reducing risks and ensuring long-term sustainability.
The Minister called upon the Heads of Departments (HoDs) at SKUAST-Kashmir to align their research and extension programmes with the practical needs of farmers rather than limiting their work to laboratories. He stressed that research must be field-oriented and farmer-centric, and that extension services should effectively transfer innovations and technologies to the grassroots level.
Earlier, Minister Dar inspected various stalls at the Mela, interacting with farmers and exhibitors to assess the impact of their initiatives on livestock development. He also distributed awards and certificates among participants who excelled in different categories, commending their dedication to animal husbandry and livestock management.
The Livestock Show–2025 aimed to promote innovation and excellence in agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and allied sectors. It provided a platform for farmers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders to exchange knowledge, explore new technologies, and share best practices. The exhibition featured displays of modern farming equipment, livestock management tools, and animal healthcare technologies.
Among those present were Dean Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Shakeel Ahmad Mir; Director Extension, Dr. Raihana Habib Kanth; Registrar, Prof. Azmat Alam Khan; Director Strategies & Planning, Dr. Haroon Rashid Naik; Director Sheep Husbandry Kashmir, Dr. Rafiq Ahmad Shah, along with other district officers and members of the farming community.
