Hanjura warns against conversion of Agri land for construction purposes

Excelsior Correspondent
KISHTWAR, Dec 31: The Minister of Agriculture, Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura while addressing a review meeting of agriculture and allied departments here, today warned against the converting of agriculture land for construction purposes or dumping of garbage etc.
During the meeting the Minister gave on spot directives to DC Kishtwar, G N Balwan and asked him to report compliance. The Minster said that strict action be taken against the defaulters.
, He said the State Government has taken various measures to streamline the functioning of the Agriculture Department and generating awareness among farmers as over 70 percent people in the State are still dependent on agriculture.
He gave on spot directives to district officers to organise block wise awareness camps and educate the farmers regarding various Centrally sponsored schemes like Kissan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, Soil Health Cards Scheme and other research facilities available in the district so that farmers presently working on conventional methods can use technological advancements for improving their agricultural produce and economic conditions.
The Minister said keeping in view the limited resources focus should be laid on crop diversification, multiple cropping, encouraging technological interventions and innovations to meet the demands of growing population.
Mr Hanjura urged the DC Kishtwar to ensure that no agriculture land is diverted for construction purposes, dumping of garbage etc.
Highlighting the huge potential for Saffron and Rajmash (beans) cultivation in Kishtwar and Marwah area, Mr Hanjura asked the DC to convene meeting with all stake holders and submit a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the inclusion of these potential areas in the recently launched Pradan Mantri Krishi, Sinchia Yojna (PMKSY) so that every field in the district gets adequate water for irrigation purposes.
He also informed that declaration of a village as Rajmash village in the Doda-Kishtwar region similar to apple village in Kashmir Valley and Basmati village in R S Pura is also in the pipeline.
MLC Firdos Tak, ADDC, Kishori Lal Sharma, Director Agriculture, Dr S S Jamwal, A K Malhotra, Director CAD, Jammu, Malik Farooq Director Sericulture, Sunil Kapahi, Chief Agriculture Officer, Kishtwar were among others who attended the meeting.