J&K Govt approves Rs 463 Cr for agri projects

The project will also establish business orientation centres at Sher-E- Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST)

In order to practice sustainable agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir, the Government has approved a five-year project on Innovative Extension Approaches for Revitalising Agriculture in J&K. Government has sanctioned Rs 463 crore, which is aimed at empowering farmers and educated youth through technology-driven and inclusive agri-extension services.

According to the statement, one of the critical outcomes of the project would be the creation of two thousand Kissan Khidmat Ghars (KKGs), at the Panchayat level as a hub of convergence of services at the district level. They will also serve as a One Stop Centre for extending farmer-oriented services related to agriculture and allied sectors.

The project envisages promoting sustainable and profitable agriculture with a significant increase in the share of agricultural GDP. The project will also establish business orientation centres at Sher-E- Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) Kashmir and Jammu and facilitate real-time problem redressal through cyber extension including RS-GIS-driven agro-advisories and ICT-based virtual contacts and communication systems. The project will also create a robust MIS system to maintain transparency and accountability in service delivery and information sharing with parent departments and administration.