Agri Minister Javed Dar Leads Inclusive Outreach at Kupwara Mega Kissan Mela

Farmers, Departments Join Hands to Review Schemes & Technologies

Jahangir Lolabi

Kupwara: The frontier district of Kupwara witnessed a major agricultural outreach effort on Friday as Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar led a day-long Mega Kissan Mela, aimed at strengthening farmer engagement and introducing modern farm technologies to the region.

The programme brought together key policymakers and departmental heads, including Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLAs Mir Saifullah and Qaiser Jamsheed Lone, Deputy Commissioner Shrikant Suse, Director Agriculture Sartaj Ahmad Shah, Director Horticulture (P&M) Ghulam Jeelani Zargar, senior Sericulture officials, and district-level officers. A large turnout of farmers, farm entrepreneurs, and rural youth added momentum to the event.

During an extensive tour of departmental stalls, the Minister reviewed demonstrations on seed varieties, innovative farm machinery, integrated farming models, sericulture initiatives, and animal husbandry services. Interacting with farmers, he underscored the government’s focus on making agriculture more profitable through scientific practices, diversified crops, and improved market opportunities. Beneficiaries also received sanction letters, cheques, and vehicle keys as part of ongoing welfare programmes.

Addressing the gathering, Dar said Kupwara holds immense promise in horticulture, livestock, and niche agri-products, and that the administration is committed to unlocking this potential. “We want farmers of Kupwara to be at the centre of growth. Adoption of new technologies and better access to markets will shape a stronger rural economy,” he said.

He also directed the Agriculture Department to scale up Kissan Melas in other blocks of the district to ensure deeper outreach.

Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani urged departments to ensure wider coverage of government schemes and emphasised that empowerment at the grassroots is key to transforming the frontier district’s farm landscape. The legislators from Trehgam and Lolab highlighted local gaps and sought targeted interventions to boost productivity.

Earlier, the Chief Agriculture Officer outlined Kupwara’s agricultural profile and ongoing initiatives aimed at diversification and sustainability.

The Mela showcased a mix of technological demonstrations, soil health solutions, improved seed lines, organic inputs, and on-spot advisory services from experts of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Sericulture, Fisheries, and allied wings, giving farmers a practical understanding of new opportunities in the sector.