In a significant step towards instilling a sense of security and normalcy in the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir, the administration has initiated agricultural activities along the Indo-Pak border. This move follows a recent ceasefire violation in the Arnia sector, where one BSF jawan was martyred and three others were injured.
Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rakesh Minhas, kick-started the wheat sowing season across the Indo-Pak border in the Hiranagar Sector. The event saw the presence of SDM Hiranagar, Manisha Koul, and Chief Agriculture Officer Kathua, Sanjeev Rai.
Addressing the occasion, DC Kathua expressed, “We are encouraging farmers of the border belt to bring more vacant land under cultivation along the Indo-Pak international Border. The farmers are also being motivated for integrated farming, using the latest machinery to reduce the cost of farming and enhance income in agriculture production.” He emphasized the collaborative efforts of the District Administration, Border Security Force, and the Department of Agriculture Kathua to ensure safe and secure cultivation of Rabi and Kharif crops along the fence.
During interactions with local farmers, the DC highlighted the administration’s commitment to bringing the entire fallow land under cultivation, extending support through agriculture and allied departments.
Chief Agriculture Officer Kathua, Sanjeev Rai Gupta, shared that for the current fiscal year, the Department of Agriculture Kathua has set a target of wheat sowing in 300 acres of land during Rabi 2023-24 across the fence. Approximately 200 acres of land were sown on the inauguration day, with 67 farmers from villages like Chack Changa, Karol Krishna, Karol Maithrian, and Chann Tanda participating.
To facilitate effective sowing, the Department of Agriculture provided machines such as tractors and cultivators to farmers involved in border sowing. A team of officers and officials from the department is providing technical support to farmers in various aspects.
Encouraging mechanized methods, CAO Sanjeev Rai Gupta said, “We are encouraging farmers to use mechanized methods for effective sowing of wheat crop by using Super Seeder, a highly mechanized machine which can perform multi-functions such as ploughing, sowing, and planking of the field simultaneously.”
Nanak Chand, President of the Border Farmers’ Association and a progressive farmer, appreciated the relentless efforts of the Agriculture Department Kathua, stating, “Now we are able to cultivate in both Rabi and Kharif seasons, thanks to the facilitation provided by the Agriculture Department in sowing our lands across the Indo-Pak International border.”