POONCH, AUGUST 22: The Department of Agriculture, Poonch organised a One-Day Kisan Mela under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) at the Agriculture Extension Office, Jhullas, with the guidance of District Development Commissioner Ashok Kumar Sharma.

The programme was inaugurated by Assistant Commissioner Revenue Mohd Sayed and focused on encouraging youth participation in agriculture, horticulture and allied sectors.

Chief Agriculture Officer Jograj Slathia stressed the need to strengthen farmer outreach and awareness regarding opportunities in agriculture and allied activities. He encouraged farmers and youth to adopt modern, sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices to enhance productivity and farm income.

Addressing the gathering, the Assistant Commissioner Revenue highlighted the potential of agriculture and allied sectors to generate employment, promote entrepreneurship and strengthen the rural economy. He urged youth to explore agri-based business opportunities, modern farming technologies and government schemes and subsidies.

Subject Matter Specialist Charanjeet Singh Raina briefed participants about subsidised schemes available for establishing startups and agri-based enterprises. He also highlighted the Agri Stack initiative and urged farmers to complete their PM KISAN e-KYC before the release of the next instalment to continue receiving benefits.

Officers from the Agriculture and allied departments, district heads of various departments and the Chief Scientist, KVK Poonch interacted with farmers and youth and provided technical guidance on improved farming practices. Participants were encouraged to explore opportunities in horticulture, mushroom cultivation, beekeeping, dairy farming, nursery development, food processing, packaging, marketing and other value-addition activities.

The event was organised by the staff of Sub-Division Poonch under the supervision and guidance of District Agriculture Officer (Ext) Raj Kumar and Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer Tirath Singh. More than 300 farmers and youth participated enthusiastically in the Kisan Mela.

The programme served as an important platform for knowledge sharing, awareness generation and capacity building, while highlighting the Government's efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, youth entrepreneurship and improved livelihood opportunities for the farming community in Poonch.