Latest news with #HADP
Hindustan Times
05-08-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
J&K LG hails women-led devp in agri, allied sector
Lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha on Monday hailed the women-led development in agriculture and allied sector. Jammu and Kashmir Lt. governor Manoj Sinha and state CM Omar Abdullah during the 9th Convocation of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu on Monday. (PTI) Addressing 9th convocation of Sher-e-Kashmir University for agricultural sciences and technology Jammu, he said, 'In areas like climate smart crops, pest management, biotech solutions, organic farming, the participation of women scientists has made invaluable contributions.' 'I am extremely proud that out of eight gold medallists in post-graduate and graduate students, seven are our daughters. Out of 35 certificates of merit in PhD and post-graduate, 32 merit certificates were awarded to our daughters.' 'It is a symbol of the rising influence of Nari Shakti in agriculture and allied sectors and I believe they will be driving innovation for sustainable agriculture and enhancing farmers' income,' he added. The LG spoke on the need for a stronger innovation and modern technology ecosystem for sustainable agricultural practices to prioritise farmer incomes, risk mitigation and strengthening farmer-industry linkages. 'Farmer welfare is the top priority of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The positive impact of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project in J&K (JKCIP) on farmers' income is now visible,' he said. The LG called upon the new generation of scientists and experts to focus on smart farming. CM Omar Abdullah advocates organic farming and climate-resilient agriculture Underscoring the critical role of agriculture in shaping the economic future of J&K, chief minister Omar Abdullah said that agriculture and allied sectors are 'fields of promise as well as of responsibility', and acknowledged their growing complexity in the face of climate change, resource depletion and emerging global standards. He observed that fragmented land holdings, depleting water resources and the unchecked use of chemical-based fertilisers are issues that demand urgent course correction, calling for a decisive shift toward sustainable and organic practices. He also emphasised the rising concerns around microplastics in the food chain and climate vulnerability, noting that environmental awareness is no longer optional, but an operational imperative. Encouraging the graduating students, Omar urged them to imbibe the ideals of SKUAST and contribute to the broader mission of rural transformation. 'Let your innovation create employment, let your knowledge build enterprises and let your compassion redefine agriculture,' he said, calling on the new graduates to be job creators rather than seekers. Commending the university's efforts, the CM appreciated the launch of the ex-situ Gene Bank, highlighting its role in conserving native seed varieties and crop diversity. 'Such infrastructure will only bear fruit when paired with the right talent,' he said, urging students and faculty to make full use of the facilities to address the evolving challenges of agri-science.
India Gazette
11-07-2025
- General
- India Gazette
NABARD-funded check dam transforms Channi-Mansar Panchayat; revives agriculture in Udhampur
Udhampur (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], July 11 (ANI): A newly constructed check dam under the Channi-Mansar Watershed Project has brought relief and renewed hope to farmers in the water-deprived Channi-Mansar Panchayat of Udhampur district. Funded by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) at an estimated cost of Rs. 4.54 Lakh, the dam has addressed the acute water scarcity that had forced many farmers to abandon their fields. The project, aimed at soil and water conservation, has not only rejuvenated agricultural activities but also strengthened the socio-economic fabric of the village. NABARD district In-charge Siddharth said, ' A few days ago, we conducted a training for self-help groups for 30 women on bee-keeping... We also helped them with credit-linking under schemes like HADP (Holistic Agriculture Development Program). We are running Tribal Development Program... A lot of things were also conducted under the Water-Shed Program under which a well and a check dam were constructed and these are benefitting local residents in Channi-Mansar region... We provide trainings under the self-reliant schemes of PM Modi... NABARD works here in two ways - Spring-Shed, which is for reviving old water springs; and Water-Shed, which is for water and soil conservation... We are getting complete support from the state and central government...'. For years, the hilly terrain of Channi-Mansar Panchayat lacked proper water storage facilities, causing rainwater to drain away without being utilized. As a result, vast stretches of farmland turned barren, leaving farmers unable to cultivate seasonal crops. Many were compelled to leave agriculture, worsening the region's economic condition. However, the newly constructed check dam has changed the scenario by effectively harvesting rainwater, ensuring sustained irrigation for crops. A beneficiary farmer said yesterday, 'This check dam has been made after our appeal... Due to this, we have water for our crops... We thank NABARD and the Water-Shed Chairman for this dam... Even the domestic and wild animals get water for drinking from this...'. Villagers have expressed immense gratitude towards NABARD and the Government of India for the watershed project, which has not only mitigated drought-like conditions but also enhanced agricultural productivity. Farmers can now grow multiple seasonal crops, significantly boosting their income. The project has also played a crucial role in preventing soil erosion and improving groundwater levels, ensuring long-term benefits for the community. Water-Shed Project Chairman Purshotam Kumar said, 'This has benefitted a lot of people in the region... This check dam will provide water to the people, as well as animals, as they used to be deprived of it during summers... We faced a minor leak issue in March, but we got it repaired... The government of India is also appreciating this project as they promote water conservation... We also made a water observation trench for the same purpose. We request that the government provide us with more such schemes...'. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Proud to see country's daughters breaking barriers: LG Sinha
Lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said that he is proud to see country's daughters breaking barriers and achieving success in agricultural science and technology. Union minister for agriculture and farmers welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan confers a degree on a student during the 6th convocation ceremony of SKUAST-Kashmir, in Srinagar on Friday. Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha and chief minister Omar Abdullah are also seen. (ANI) Sinha made these remarks while addressing the 6th Convocation ceremony of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Science and Technology Kashmir (SKUAST) at Srinagar. Union minister for agriculture & farmers welfare and rural development Shivraj Singh Chouhan was the chief guest for the convocation ceremony. Speaking at the function, Chouhan extended his best wishes to the graduating students on their new beginning. 'Viksit Bharat, Viksit Jammu Kashmir and prosperous farming community is our resolve. The Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to develop J&K as horticulture hub,' Chouhan said. While sharing his experience in Kashmir, the Union minister said the natural beauty of Kashmir and the love of its people has won his heart. In his address, the LG Sinha congratulated the university for creating a competent and competitive human resource, shaping up farm sector in J&K UT, remarkable improvement in its ranking and also wished the students for their bright future. He extended his felicitations to the women students for their excellent academic performance across the subjects. 'Proud to see our daughters breaking barriers and achieving success in agricultural science and technology. Out of 150 students conferred with gold medals, 115 were women students. Out of 445 Certificates of Merit, 334 were conferred to girls. Out of a total of 5,250 degrees of undergraduate, masters, PhD in today's convocation, 2,661 degrees have been awarded to women students. It reflects a bright future for J&K and the nation,' he said. Sinha also spoke on the transformative reforms taking place in agriculture and allied sectors in Jammu and Kashmir over the past few years. 'Under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the agriculture and allied sector has truly become a mainstay of India's economy. This change is strongly reflected in J&K's agriculture landscape. Today, Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) has emerged as a role model of agricultural revolution in the entire country,' he said. Sinha also said that in the last five years, Jammu and Kashmir has set four major goals for agriculture and allied sector - to transform the agriculture sector into a sustainable-commercial agriculture economy, to create an agri-business ecosystem with value chain, farmer and community-centric approach for holistic development of agriculture and to increase the income of farming families and secure their livelihood. 'Your passion and ideas will shape the future of India's agriculture sector. Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself. And, I firmly believe that if education is in accordance with the time and the needs of the global industry, then it is the most precious asset of the society,' he said. The LG also commended the vice chancellor and his team for developing modern, state of the art infrastructure and a new-age educational platform.
India Gazette
05-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Shivraj Singh Chouhan attends sixth convocation of Sher-e-Kashmir University in Srinagar
Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], July 5 (ANI): Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan attended the sixth convocation ceremony of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K), Srinagar, and conferred degrees upon the graduates. On the second day of his visit to Jammu & Kashmir on Friday, Shivraj Singh said, 'I've been in Srinagar since yesterday. The cool breeze, the fragrance of the soil, the natural beauty, and the warmth of the people have truly touched my heart. Jammu & Kashmir is the crown jewel of India. Yesterday, we had an in-depth review with the Chief Minister on agriculture and rural development. We held extensive discussions on accelerating Jammu & Kashmir's development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is determined to build a 'Viksit Bharat', and for that, a prosperous Jammu & Kashmir, with its empowered farmers, are essential. We are fully committed to achieving this goal.' Referring to a past meeting of the NITI Aayog, Chouhan told CM Omar Abdullah, 'You had emotionally appealed to ministers to come to Jammu & Kashmir and hold advisory committee meetings. You highlighted how internal conditions are stable and only disturbed by external elements. We accepted your invitation and held the advisory committee meeting yesterday.' Chouhan shared how he interacted with locals across Srinagar and received overwhelming love and affection. 'Even a Shikara boatman on the Dal Lake greeted me warmly. I am deeply moved and will share this affection with the rest of the nation,' he said. He praised SKUAST-K's accomplishments and expressed confidence that it would soon become the top-ranking state university. He noted that the university hosts students not just from Jammu & Kashmir but from 30 Indian states and Union Territories, as well as from abroad, making it a nationally and internationally recognised institution. Speaking to the graduates, he said, 'Convocation does not mean the end of learning; it marks the beginning of new knowledge. The lessons you've learned in your classrooms and labs must now be shared with society.' He emphasised the irreplaceable value of agriculture, stating that 'without farming, neither Jammu & Kashmir, nor the country, nor the world can function. Agricultural produce cannot be made in factories.' He added, 'Agriculture remains the backbone of the Indian economy and the primary livelihood for over half the population.' Thanking PM Modi, he highlighted that under PM's leadership, India's foodgrain stock has reached record levels, with a 44 per cent increase in foodgrain production over the past 11 years, including record growth in rice, wheat, maize, soybean, and groundnut. Jammu & Kashmir's fruits, flowers, and vegetables are exceptional in taste and colour, he said, and reiterated his vision to make J&K a global horticulture hub. He added that the Holistic Agricultural Development Program (HADP) is being implemented successfully in the region. Discussions were held on providing 'Clean Plants' under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). Currently, farmers often import planting material from outside the state, which may carry viruses or bacteria. To address this, a decision was made to establish a Clean Plant Center in J&K with a budget of Rs 150 crore. He noted that in 5,000 hectares of apple orchards, per-hectare yield has increased from 10 tonnes to 60 tonnes, a six-fold rise. 'I want to see Kashmiri apples exported globally so that India doesn't need to import apples anymore,' he said. The minister highlighted the Government of India's commitment to protecting farmers' interests under the leadership of PM Modi. He called for more innovation in agriculture, urging students to launch startups and develop advanced technologies in the sector. While praising the university's performance in civil services, he reminded students that true achievement lies in living for others, not just oneself. 'Apply practical knowledge, not just theoretical. Each of you has immense potential, and I'm confident you will do well,' he said. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, Chouhan said, 'Man is a storehouse of infinite strength; there is nothing he cannot achieve.' He encouraged students to set goals, make a roadmap, and work persistently for the greater good. He said both central and state governments are working together to implement these strategies. 'India belongs not only to itself but to the world. This is a land that considers the entire world as one family,' he concluded, calling for collective efforts to advance Jammu & Kashmir and the nation with the guiding mantra: 'Peace, not war; love, not hatred.' He expressed confidence that India would build a stronger global identity and emerge as the world's food basket. At the convocation ceremony, nearly 5,250 students received undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD degrees. Additionally, 150 gold medals and 445 merit certificates were awarded to outstanding students for their academic achievements. The event was graced by Lieutenant Governor and Chancellor of the University Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister and Pro-Chancellor of SKUAST-K Omar Abdullah, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Javed Ahmad Dar, Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Chaudhary, Education Minister Sakina Masood, along with vice chancellors, professors, senior officials, and other dignitaries. (ANI)
United News of India
04-07-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
LG Manoj Sinha hails women's achievements in agricultural sciences & technology
Srinagar, July 4 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today expressed pride over the outstanding performance of women in the field of agricultural sciences and technology, saying their achievements reflect a promising future for the nation. He extended his felicitations to women students for their outstanding academic achievements at the sixth convocation ceremony of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K), held in Srinagar. 'Proud to see our daughters breaking barriers and achieving success in agricultural science & technology. Out of 150 students conferred with gold medals, 115 were women students. Out of 445 certificates of merit, 334 were given to girls. Out of a total of 5,250 degrees of undergraduate, masters, PhD in today's convocation, 2,661 degrees have been awarded to women students. "It reflects a bright future for J&K and the nation,' the Lieutenant Governor, who is also the Pro-Chancellor of SKUAST-K said in his address. Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, was the Chief Guest at the convocation ceremony, which was also attended by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and SKUAST-K Pro-Chancellor, Omar Abdullah. The Lieutenant Governor congratulated the university for creating a competent and competitive human resource, shaping up the farm sector in J&K, remarkable improvement in its ranking and also wished the students for their bright future. The Lieutenant Governor spoke on the transformative reforms taking place in agriculture and allied sectors in the UT of Jammu Kashmir over the past few years. 'Under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the agriculture and allied sector has truly become a mainstay of India's economy. This change is strongly reflected in J&K's agriculture landscape. Today, Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) has emerged as a role model of agricultural revolution in the entire country,' he said. Sinha highlighted that in the last five years, J&K has set four major goals for agriculture and allied sector to transform the agriculture sector into a sustainable commercial agriculture economy, to create an agri-business ecosystem with value chain, farmer and community-centric approach for holistic development of agriculture and to increase the income of farming families and secure their livelihood. The Lieutenant Governor urged the graduating students to make their valuable contribution to innovation and progressive farming and take the lead in agri-technology, food technology, and groundbreaking innovation. "Your passion and ideas will shape the future of India's agriculture sector", he said. 'Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself. And, I firmly believe that if education is in accordance with the time and the needs of the global industry, then it is the most precious asset of the society,' the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor also commended the Vice Chancellor and his team for developing modern, state of the art infrastructure and a new-age educational platform. New academic programmes, centres of excellence and research in modern technology areas -- artificial intelligence, machine learning, gene editing, regenerative medicine, speed breeding -- have brought Jammu and Kashmir closer to achieving its goal of becoming a knowledge economy and provided an opportunity to promote the UT's bio-economy. Prof. Nazir Ah. Ganai, Vice Chancellor SKUAST Kashmir, read out the university report and highlighted the academic, research and extension activities of the university. UNI MJR BM
