Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 2: The Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), a flagship initiative of the Agriculture Production Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, has been conferred with the Skoch Gold Award for Excellence in recognition of its impactful implementation and transformative outcomes in the agricultural sector.
The conception of HADP was driven by the leadership of Chief Secretary, J&K Atal Dulloo, while the Principal Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, Shailendra Kumar, has been the cornerstone of its robust implementation on the ground.
The award was received by Mission Director, HADP.
This ambitious Rs 5013 crore program, comprising 29 projects in Agri and Allied sectors, was formulated by the Apex Committee constituted by the Lieutenant Governor and the roadmap was approved by the UT Administrative Council headed by LG, HADP was dedicated to the public by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 7th March 2024, in Srinagar. Since its launch, HADP has garnered unparalleled public participation, with over 2 lakh registrations and 3.4 lakh applications received under 120+ beneficiary-oriented schemes in agriculture and allied sectors and an impressive approval rate of over 75%, highlighting its inclusivity and farmer-centric approach.
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The program has reached unprecedented heights through the Kisan Sampark Abhiyan, touching the lives of 9 lakh people across 4000 Panchayats in Jammu & Kashmir. This makes it the largest farmer outreach initiative in the region, delivering critical information, training and resources directly to the farming community.
In a major stride towards accessibility, 500 Kisan Khidmat Ghars (Farmer Service Centers) have been launched under Phase I, with 1,500 more in the pipeline. These centers serve as a one-stop solution for farmers, offering services ranging from farm inputs to expert advisories and real-time updates.
The Skoch Award stands as a testament to the transformative vision and robust implementation of the HADP, signaling a new era for Jammu & Kashmir’s agricultural landscape. With its inclusive, participatory approach, the program is fostering sustainable growth, enhancing productivity, and improving livelihoods in the region.
The Government of Jammu & Kashmir reaffirms its commitment to empowering farmers and strengthening the agricultural economy through continued innovation and dedication.
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