Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Reaffirms Government’s Commitment to Protect Farmers’ Interests
In a recent address at the ‘Agriculture Summit and Kisan Mela’ organized by Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha dismissed misinformation surrounding the Indo-US interim trade deal. He emphasized that the Government of India is resolutely committed to safeguarding the interests of farmers, including those in Jammu and Kashmir.
Highlighting the government’s proactive measures, Sinha stated that robust safeguards have been put in place to ensure that the domestic agriculture and horticulture sectors are shielded from any potential adverse impacts of international trade agreements. He reassured farmers that the ‘Agriculture First’ policy aims to strengthen the rural economy and contribute to a self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing concerns raised by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah regarding duty-free imports of dry fruits and horticulture produce from the United States, Sinha reiterated that the government’s policies are designed to enhance domestic production rather than compromise it. He emphasized the strategic importance of agriculture in advancing the nation’s prosperity and ensuring stability amidst global economic challenges.
Emphasizing the significance of technological advancements in agriculture, Sinha urged officials and agricultural scientists to leverage cutting-edge innovations to enhance productivity and sustainability. He advocated for the adoption of IoT sensors, satellite imagery, and AI tools to optimize farming practices and empower small and marginal farmers with real-time data and precision irrigation systems.
Sinha also underscored the need for village-level seed banks stocked with climate-resilient varieties to bolster food security and resilience against climate change. He advocated for circular farming models that convert crop residue into valuable resources, such as animal feed and organic manure, to improve soil health and reduce external input dependency.
Furthermore, the Lieutenant Governor called for the expansion of agro-processing infrastructure and the direct connection of Farmer-Producer Organisations (FPOs) with consumers to enable farmers to capture greater value margins and reduce reliance on intermediaries.
During the event, Sinha launched the Crop Cultivation Scheme of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices and inaugurated the Bayer Learning Centre for Advanced Agricultural Learning and Innovation, a Branding Centre, and a Pesticide Quality Control Laboratory at SKUAST Jammu. The summit also featured exhibitions of modern farm technologies, interaction sessions between scientists and farmers, and the felicitation of winners of the Startup First Awards under SKUAST-Jammu AgriThon 2.0.
As Sinha concluded his address, he emphasized the critical role of agriculture in ensuring progress and resilience in the face of global challenges. He reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices for the development of Jammu and Kashmir.
