The conferment of the prestigious Skoch Gold Award to the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) is a landmark achievement, underscoring the transformative potential of agriculture reforms in Jammu & Kashmir. This accolade is the outcome of the robust vision, meticulous planning and on-ground execution led by the Agriculture Production Department. HADP, with its ambitious allocation of Rs 5013 crore, is not just a program; it is a movement aimed at redefining the agricultural landscape of Jammu & Kashmir. Its 29 projects encompass the Agri and allied sectors, addressing systemic issues, enhancing productivity and prioritising inclusivity. The public dedication of HADP by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this year symbolised its national importance and regional impact. The program’s outreach initiatives have been nothing short of extraordinary. The Kisan Sampark Abhiyan, for instance, has touched the lives of nine lakh individuals across 4000 Panchayats, making it the largest farmer-centric campaign in the region. By providing critical information, training and resources to farmers, HADP ensures that its benefits are not just theoretical but tangible and widespread.
Moreover, the establishment of 500 Kisan Khidmat Ghars under Phase I, with 1500 more in the pipeline, is a game-changer for accessibility and service delivery. These centres are revolutionising the way farmers interact with the system, offering farm inputs, expert advisories, and real-time updates in a single location. This initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to empowering farmers at the grassroots level. The overwhelming public response-over 2 lakh registrations and 3.4 lakh applications for 120+ beneficiary-oriented schemes-highlights the program’s inclusivity and its resonance with the farming community. An approval rate exceeding 75% further demonstrates HADP’s farmer-centric approach and operational efficiency. The Skoch Gold Award is not merely an honour; it is an affirmation of HADP’s success in fostering sustainable agricultural growth, improving livelihoods and addressing long-standing challenges in the sector. But much more has to be done. The challenge now is to sustain this momentum, scale these successes and ensure that every farmer in the region reaps the benefits of this ambitious initiative.
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