SHOPIAN: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Shopian today organized an orientation programme on the Prime Minister Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) at Balapora, Shopian, aimed at creating awareness among farmers about holistic agricultural development and the convergence of multiple schemes for their welfare.
The event also featured a live telecast of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s address, which was witnessed by over three hundred farmers from various parts of the district.
The programme was graced by Hon’ble MLA Shopian, Adv. Shabir Ahmad Kullay, DDC Shopian, Shishir Gupta, ADDC, Dr. Nasir Ahmad Lone, ADC, Dr. Zakir Hussain Faaz, Senior Scientist & Head KVK Shopian, Prof. Zaffar Afroz Badri, scientists of the Kendra, representatives from NGO REACHA, NRLM, SHGs, FPOs, and a large gathering of progressive and tribal farmers.
Prof. Zaffar Afroz Badri presented an overview of the PMDDKY scheme, emphasizing its goal to ensure holistic agricultural growth through the convergence of 38 schemes implemented by eleven Central Ministries, the State Government, and private sector stakeholders.
In his address, Hon’ble MLA Adv. Shabir Ahmad Kullay lauded the efforts of KVK scientists for their relentless outreach and awareness drives across the district, ensuring farmers remain informed about various government initiatives aimed at enhancing their livelihoods.
The workshop also focused on natural farming practices, increasing cropping intensity, value addition and processing of produce, and pulse production improvement—all geared towards improving productivity, profitability, and sustainability in the agricultural sector.
On the occasion, District Development Commissioner, Shopian, visited various stalls showcasing promising varieties of Apple, Almond, Walnut, Maize, Muskmelon, and vegetables successfully cultivated at KVK’s research and demonstration farms. The display aimed to promote the horizontal expansion of these technologies to uplift the socio-economic status of the farming community.
The event concluded with the inauguration of a Custom Hiring Centre at KVK Shopian by the Hon’ble MLA, marking a significant step towards providing modern agricultural tools and machinery to farmers at affordable rates.
Participants expressed their gratitude to KVK Shopian for organizing such a farmer-centric and informative programme, underscoring its importance in promoting sustainable and inclusive agricultural development across the district.
