N N Vohra, Omar Abdullah for enhancing agriculture productivity in J&K

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have said implementation of a time-bound programme for multiplication of quality seeds of different crops would help enhance farm productivity in the state.

The Governor and the Chief Minister were addressing the 23rd University Council meeting of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) held at Raj Bhavan here yesterday.

They said a strict monitoring mechanism must be put in place to ensure the quality of the seed is of certified standard.

An extensive campaign needs to be launched to enlarge awareness among the farmers on the significance of seed replacement and adoption of the best farming practices, they added.

The Governor, who is Chancellor of the University, called for involving Panchayati Raj Institutions in the planning and implementation of the various programmes for promoting production, particularly in the remote areas.

He emphasised on creating awareness among the farmers on adoption of new farm technologies and switching over to more remunerative cultivation of hybrid seeds of maize and other crops.

Reviewing the status of setting up of various Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK), Vohra said all procedural and other delays in the establishment of these Kendras must be resolved expeditiously to benefit the growers.

He said sector and activity specific short and long-term action plans should be drawn up along with regular review of their implementation for securing time-bound results.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is the Pro-Chancellor of the University, said the KVKs need to function as nerve centres of all envisaged activities for the growth of agriculture sector.