Govt pushes for inclusive agri development at Dharamsala
In a determined move to strengthen grassroots agricultural development, Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister Prof Chandra Kumar Chaudhary chaired a high-level meeting of agriculture officers from Himachal Pradesh’s northern districts. Held in Dharamsala, the meeting saw the participation of senior officials from Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur, Chamba and Una.
Prof Chaudhary issued firm directives to ensure that the benefits of government agricultural schemes reach even the most remote farms. “Every agriculture officer must make it their mission to reach the last farm of the last farmer,” he said. “No eligible farmer should be left out.”
A key focus of the meeting was the universal issuance of Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs). Calling them “the ATM of the farmer,” the minister stressed that every farmer must have a KCC to access low-interest credit easily. He also set an example by urging agriculture officers themselves to obtain KCCs where eligible.
Another major agenda item was the promotion of natural farming. Prof Chaudhary urged increased farmer registration in the program to meet the Chief Minister’s targets. He called for land mapping and status assessments to guide cluster-based farming based on crop suitability.
To address irrigation issues, the minister instructed officers to study traditional canals and existing irrigation sources. He directed the Land Conservation Department to present a detailed action plan in the next meeting for improving water storage and distribution capacity. The adoption of rainwater harvesting, tube wells and solar-powered irrigation was emphasized as key solutions to water scarcity.
In a bid to optimise idle government land, the minister proposed converting underutilised agricultural farms into hubs for agro-tourism and innovation, ensuring these are equipped with adequate irrigation systems to support such ventures.
Underscoring the importance of soil health, Prof Chaudhary called for widespread soil testing to improve crop planning and boost agricultural productivity.
Additional Agriculture Director D Rahul Katoch provided an update on current departmental initiatives and assured the minister of prompt and complete implementation of his directives. Dr Kuldeep Dhiman, Deputy Director of Agriculture, expressed gratitude to the minister and all participating officers for their active involvement and dedication.
Officials from the JICA project, soil testing experts and subject matter specialists also attended the meeting, which concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening agriculture from the grassroots level.
Himachal Tribune