Secretary Ravinder Kumar reviews the implementation of various Centrally Sponsored Agri/Horti Schemes

Leh, 10 February: Secretary Agriculture/Horticulture, Ravinder Kumar called a meeting to discuss agendas pertaining the departments of Agriculture/Horticulture viz revision of the Annual Action Plan of Centrally Sponsored Schemes, promotion of Millets as part of International Year of Millets and implementation of Agri-stack project in Ladakh.

Agri-stack is a technological intervention aimed at facilitating farmers with services provided by the government, agri-tech firms, start-ups, FPOs etc. With the help of a database system, the government will be able to share policies and other data of relevance with the aim to assist farmers to make informed decisions for growth.

In view of the United Nations’ declaration of the year 2023 as the year of Millets, various activities for its promotion such as awareness programs at village level, subsidized distribution of seeds, highlighting health benefits of millets, promotion of millet-based items in hotels, conducting millet food mela, spreading awareness amongst children by means of quiz competitions, etc are being formulated by the department.

Secretary Ravinder, while highlighting all the relevant Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) of relevance to Ladakh, directed the departments to make the best use of the schemes available and added that existing and ongoing projects of the departments must be integrated with the relevant CSS.

Additionally, Secretary Ravinder also discussed the progress of schemes such as PM Fasal Yojna and directed the officials to take necessary action for its implementation.

Director DIHAR Dr. OP Chaurasia, DIO NIC Phuntsog Paldan, Director Horticulture Mohd Yusuf Dar, Chief Agriculture Officer, Leh Thinles Dawa, Dr. Phuntsog Tundup, Scientist SKUAST, Dr, Anwar Hussain, Scientist SKUAST and other concerned officials attended the meeting.