DC Rajouri urges youth to embrace profitable, tech-driven agriculture at JKCIP sensitisation workshop

RAJOURI, DECEMBER 17: The Agriculture Department Rajouri today organised a District-Level Sensitisation and Educational Workshop under the Project & Knowledge Management component of the Annual Work Plan & Budget (AWPB) 2025–26 of the Jammu & Kashmir Competitiveness in Agriculture & Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP).
Deputy Commissioner, Abhishek Sharma presided over the event and interacted with farmers, youth and stakeholders from across the district.
Addressing the gathering, the DC stressed the need for crop diversification, urging youth to move beyond traditional farming practices and adopt innovative, market-oriented agriculture. He highlighted that JKCIP benefits are being extended in four blocks including Rajouri, Thanamandi, Darhal and Budhal, while farmers in other blocks can avail support under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP).
The DC advised aspiring beneficiaries to register through the official JKCIP website, visit Kisan Khidmat Ghars (KKGs) and seek assistance from Krishi Unnati (KU) centres. He said that once applications are approved, beneficiaries must undergo proper training to ensure effective implementation. Emphasising the importance of commitment, he remarked that sincerity, seriousness and consistent efforts are key to achieving tangible outcomes. He also underlined the role of technology in agriculture and allied sectors to enhance productivity and income.
The DC further said that Self Help Groups (SHGs) and youth clubs can play a vital role in awareness generation and successful implementation of government schemes at the grassroots level.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Malikzada Sheraz-ul-Haq also addressed the participants and called for a shift towards profitable agriculture, encouraging farmers to adopt high-value and remunerative practices.
Chief Agriculture Officer, Rajesh Verma emphasised transitioning from subsistence to demand-driven agriculture. He highlighted the potential of crops such as Bhaderwahi Rajmaish and pecan nuts and said cultivation must be aligned with market demand. He added that youth clubs can significantly contribute to plantation drives, waste management, cleanliness campaigns and wider awareness about JKCIP.
During the workshop, departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, Fisheries, Animal and Sheep Husbandry generate awareness about the government schemes and set up stalls showcasing basic information and best practices related to agriculture and allied sectors.
Farmers from far-flung areas of the district participated enthusiastically in the event, making the workshop a platform for knowledge sharing, interaction and capacity building.