Jammu, May 26: Senior Congress leader and DDC Suchetgarh, Taranjit Singh Tony, has strongly urged the Omar Abdullah led government to take immediate and concrete steps to make agriculture a more attractive and sustainable profession for the younger generation.
Speaking at the meeting held here today, Tony urged the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, to seriously look into the affairs of the agriculture sector, particularly the rollback of vital subsidies on agricultural tools and tractors. He emphasized that earlier subsidies, which played a crucial role in supporting farmers, have been withdrawn, leading to a decline in interest among the youth in pursuing agriculture as a viable livelihood.
"Subsidies on tractors and other farming equipment should be revived without restrictions such as engine CC limits. These limitations discourage small and marginal farmers from upgrading their tools and adopting modern practices,” Tony said.
He further highlighted the pressing need to improve the quality of seeds and fertilizers, asserting that substandard inputs are affecting both yield and farmer confidence. "Only with reliable and high-quality inputs can we expect the next generation to take interest in this sector," he added.
Tony stressed that the government must formulate policies that not only support existing farmers but also encourage the youth to enter the agriculture and horticulture sectors, which have been the backbone of India’s economy and society for generations.
Pointing out specific issues in his constituency, Tony called for immediate redevelopment of the Ranbir Canal, which is a lifeline for farmers in the RS Pura region—famously known as the Basmati Rice Bowl of Jammu and Kashmir. “The canal’s current condition is deteriorating, leading to serious irrigation challenges for the farming community. Timely repairs and upgrades are essential to ensure sufficient water supply during the cropping seasons,” he said.
Tony urged the administration to take a holistic view of the agricultural landscape and introduce youth-centric reforms to rejuvenate interest and investment in this vital sector.
|