KATHUA, MAY 23: Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rahul Pandey today chaired a meeting of District Level Monitoring Committee to review the formulation and promotion of Farmers Producer Organisations ( FPOs)' in the district.
During the meeting, a detailed discussion on promotion of Farmer Producer Organizations meant to scale-up production, branding and marketing of the produce.
The DC asked for conducting a survey to identify the scope of different crops that can be brought under FPOs. He also emphasized on utilizing the road connectivity, linkages for the benefit of farmers as Kathua district is located at an advantageous position sharing borders with Punjab and Himachal Pradesh states.
He directed the concerned officers to identify and target progressive farmers who will act as Brand Ambassadors and inspire other farmers to come forward.
The DC also directed Chief Agriculture Officer and Chief Horticulture Officer to focus on planning exposure visits of farmers to acquaint them with the state-of-art technology and adoption of best practices so that the output of farmers can be increased.
The CAO apprised the DC about the status of different crops being grown in different agro climatic regions of the district
The DC asked the CAO and CHO to come up with innovative ideas through which the PM’s vision of doubling the farmers’ income was realised.
The was informed that at present 2 clusters are operational in Kathua- one in Hiranagar and other in Bani where major crops viz Mushroom (Major), Spices- Turmeric, Cumin, Ginger, Chilli are grown as per the prevailing climatic conditions.
The DLMC unanimously decided to explore the possibility of adding Mangoes and Litchi to Hiranagar cluster and focus on identifying the crops that can be grown throughout the year so that the farmers can have a regular and sustainable source of income.
The DC also laid thrust on targeting the progressive farmers who want to be agripreneurs. “This in turn will enhance the productivity levels and transform the agricultural landscape of the district’ he added.
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