SRINAGAR, APRIL 29 (KNS): The Director Agriculture Kashmir, Chowdhary Mohammad Iqbal today chaired a meeting of officers here to discuss the strategies to be adopted for Kharief season. 

While speaking on the occasion, the Director highlighted the importance of diversification in the agriculture sector. He said diversification of crop production refers to a shift from subsistence farming to commercial farming for overall progress and development of the agriculture sector. 

He said that to realize the dream of doubling the farmer’s income by the year 2022 it is of prime importance to ensure the availability of high-quality agriculture inputs to the farming community at the right time and at the suitable cost.           

 He directed the Officers that all the initiatives taken by the department must be farmer-centric to satisfy the farming community. He also said that the need of the hour is to identify and explore Agri-based sectors to harness the impact in terms of economy and employment and advocated for close monitoring and simultaneous implementation of reforms at all levels. 

During the meeting Director set targets to all Chief Agriculture Officers with respect to area expansion in Lal Mirchi, Kala Zeera, Zag rice, Muskbudji rice, Sweet Corn, Lavender, potato, Mushroom, and exotic vegetables.

He reiterated the Departments focus on giving a thrust to organic and natural farming and lowering the use of chemicals in the field and directed the Chief Agriculture Officers for giving all support and helping hand to the organic vegetable growers and the individuals involved with organic fertilizers in order to stop the exploitation of soil and other natural resources. 

The meeting was attended by Joint Director Agriculture Extension, Joint Director Agriculture Inputs, and all Chief Agriculture Officers of Kashmir Division. 

Later in a separate meeting Director reviewed activities being carried out in the Departmental seed multiplication farms. (KNS)