Jammu, February 11: The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, inaugurated a three-day Agriculture Summit and Kisan Mela at the SKUAST-Jammu campus on Wednesday. He emphasized that the ‘Agriculture First’ policy is the cornerstone for a developed India and a self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir. He stated that agriculture and its allied sectors serve as the most significant insurance policy that no developing society or nation can overlook.
In his keynote address, Sinha highlighted the importance of ‘AI-Powered Advanced Agriculture.’ He remarked, “Amid climate change, economic uncertainty, and global upheaval, agriculture provides stability and prosperity to citizens. AI technology will revolutionize farming. We need affordable, effective solutions for small and marginal farmers.”
He directed officials, SKUAST, and experts to create digital farm twins using IoT sensors and satellite imagery. This initiative aims to enable precise irrigation, potentially reducing water consumption by 50-60%. The LG stressed the development of farmer-centric AI tools that could increase yields by 15-30%, cut input costs by 50%, and provide real-time data on soil, crop health, and nutrients.
The Lieutenant Governor ordered the establishment of climate-resilient local seed banks at the village level. He advocated for a circular farming model, suggesting that crop residues should be converted into high-protein animal feed and organic fertilizers returned to the soil. This approach will maintain soil fertility and reduce dependency on external inputs.
He also highlighted the need for processing facilities in all 20 districts and connecting FPOs directly with consumers for value-added products. This strategy aims to ensure farmers receive the full margin while minimizing the influence of intermediaries. The LG refuted misinformation regarding recent trade deals, asserting that the Indian government is fully committed to protecting farmers’ interests and implementing stringent safeguards.
Sinha stated, “Technology fosters startups, industries, and unicorns, while agriculture is the foundation of life. A strong agricultural sector means a strong nation, a better economy, and human well-being.” He referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, predicting that soon every plate in the world will feature Indian dishes, with agriculture being the largest contributor to a developed India.
During the ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor inaugurated several facilities, including the Bayer Learning Center, Branding Center, and Pesticide Quality Control Lab. The winners of SKUAST-Agrithon 2.0 were honored, and various publications were released.
Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, and Additional Chief Secretary Shailendra Kumar were among the senior officials present at the event.
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