BuzzBytes JAMMU, FEBRUARY 08: In a significant development, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo led a high-profile committee meeting to give the green light to the Annual Action Plans (AAP) for crucial Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) aimed at bolstering the Agriculture and Horticulture sectors in the Union Territory (UT).Chief Secretary Dulloo emphasized the pivotal role of these schemes in elevating overall crop productivity and quality, thereby ensuring substantial returns for farmers. He underscored the importance of timely interventions and called for rigorous monitoring and evaluation to swiftly address any impediments in the implementation process. Coordination among departments was highlighted to ensure the seamless execution of these vital schemes.Dulloo pressed for simplifying procedures to ensure that the benefits of these schemes reach prospective beneficiaries without unnecessary complications. He advocated for aligning the schemes with the specific needs and interests of local farmers, suggesting amendments when necessary based on guidelines.Shailendra Kumar, the Principal Secretary of APD, provided insights into the robust monitoring mechanism in place and outlined measures taken to streamline processes based on applicant feedback. Mission Directors presented the performance of each scheme in the previous financial year and unveiled the AAP for the upcoming fiscal year, 2024-25.Under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), funds totaling Rs 13.21 Cr were released for various projects, including Agriculture Machinization, Soil Health Fertility, Rainfed Area Development (RAD), Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), and Agroforestry. The outcomes encompassed initiatives such as distribution of vegetable seedlings, installation of borewells, and promotion of organic farming clusters.The committee also discussed the AAP under RKVY for the financial year 2024-25, totaling Rs 63.03 Cr, with allocations for different sub-projects. The proposed outcomes include a 15-20% increase in vegetable production, distribution of quality seeds, assured irrigation, employment generation, gender-friendly machinery, and improved marketing for better returns among farmers.The meeting addressed other vital schemes, including the Saffron Mission, Bamboo Mission, Krishannoti Yojana, ATMA, and the Mission for Integrative Development of Horticulture (MIDH). The proposed AAP under MIDH for 2024-25 is Rs 60.00 Cr. Discussions also covered initiatives for niche crop production, establishment of Centers of Excellence in Horticulture in collaboration with the Netherlands, and the impact of the Horticulture Action and Development Plan (HADP) in Jammu & Kashmir.This comprehensive approach aims to propel the agricultural and horticultural sectors in the UT to new heights, fostering sustainable development and prosperity for the farming community.
