Majalta: MLA Udhampur East Ranbir Singh Pathania today announced the establishment of a Mini Soil Testing Laboratory at Majalta, aimed at facilitating soil testing facilities for farmers at the local level and promoting scientific and sustainable agriculture.
Addressing a one-day Exhibition-cum-Sensitisation Programme organised at Majalta by the Department of Agriculture in collaboration with the Departments of Horticulture and Animal Husbandry, Pathania emphasised the need for coordinated efforts by all three departments to strengthen the rural economy and create new livelihood opportunities for farmers and rural youth.
Pathania said that the focus should now move beyond conventional farming towards agri-entrepreneurship, value addition and creation of sustainable income opportunities. He stressed the need to identify and promote the local agricultural potential of the area and encourage startups and agri-entrepreneurs in sectors such as desi mash, local potato varieties, mushroom cultivation and other vegetables.
He said that the establishment of the Mini Soil Testing Laboratory at Majalta would help farmers get timely information about the health and nutrient status of their soil, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding crops, fertilisers and other agricultural inputs.
The MLA called for greater convergence among the Departments of Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry, particularly in implementing programmes linked with UMEED, so that farmers, women and rural youth can be encouraged to establish small enterprises and income-generating ventures in agriculture and allied sectors.
Referring to the government's objective of doubling farmers' income, Pathania said that initiatives such as the PM-KISAN scheme have provided important support to the farming community. He said the next step should be to develop farmers into agri-entrepreneurs, with greater emphasis on value addition, processing, branding, marketing and creation of local enterprises.
Chief Agriculture Officer, Udhampur, Mr. Vikas Padha, who was the Guest of Honour, gave an overview of various agricultural activities and initiatives being undertaken in the district and highlighted the role of modern agricultural practices in enhancing farm productivity and farmers' income.
Mr. Sunil Gupta, Soil Chemist, along with the Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer, Agriculture Extension Officers and other departmental officials, remained present on the occasion. Horticulture Development Officer Adarsh Kumar also attended the programme.
Officials from the Animal Husbandry Department were also present and apprised the participants about various schemes and opportunities in the livestock and allied sectors.
Local PRI representatives, including Capt. Gopal Singh Mankotia, Darshan, Kuldeep Singh, Rekha Rani, Sunita Devi and Sham Singh, besides a large number of farmers and local residents, participated in the programme.
The exhibition provided farmers with an opportunity to interact with officials and experts from the Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry departments and learn about modern farming practices, government schemes, soil health management and opportunities for entrepreneurship.
Pathania reiterated that the collective objective of the three departments should be to empower farmers with knowledge, technology and market opportunities and transform farming into a sustainable and profitable enterprise, thereby strengthening the rural economy and generating employment opportunities for the youth.
