By Ajaz Rashid
Srinagar: In a straightforward and important statement at the concluding session of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday responded to Education and Social Welfare Minister Sakina Itoo’s appeal for greater government support.
“Sakina Ji made a request, saying the LG should announce a new agriculture related project or policy. All I can offer is ‘security’—everything else, from roads and electricity to water and agriculture, now lies with the elected government. But let me assure you,” he continued, “if your government acts, there will be no obstruction from my side.”
In his rousing address at the culmination of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan in South Kashmir’s Khudwani, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha commended the initiative as a “transformative step” toward building a resilient, modern, and prosperous agricultural economy in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
“In his remarks, the Lieutenant Governor lauded the contributions of all stakeholders involved in the campaign and envisioned a future where farmers lead India’s growth story.
“Our ultimate goal is to make every farmer in J&K UT a proud stakeholder in India’s journey toward becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Let us walk together towards a future where every field blooms with prosperity, every farmer thrives with dignity, and every village becomes a symbol of development. With Sankalp (resolve) comes Shakti (strength) and with Shakti comes Vikas (development),” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Reiterating the J&K Administration’s commitment under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, LG Sinha emphasized the focus on building a stronger farm economy, generating rural employment, and increasing farmer incomes.
He drew attention to earlier efforts such as the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP), launched in 2022, which he described as “the first revolutionary program in agriculture in any state or UT in recent times.” According to the LG, HADP outlines a roadmap to transform J&K into a Rs. 1 trillion agricultural economy by 2030.
The Lieutenant Governor also spotlighted inclusive development, particularly for the forest-dwelling and tribal communities.
“J&K also has a special focus on the development of our tribal farming communities, Gujjars, Bakarwals, Paharis, and other STs, who are the custodians of our forests, mountains and traditional wisdom,” he said.
He praised the participation from across districts in the campaign, framing it as a symbol of collective will.
“The active participation from every district in Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan reflects our collective commitment to a self-reliant J&K.
Let us continue this spirit of progress and partnership to ensure sustainable growth and improved livelihoods for our farming communities,” the LG said.
The event also marked the beginning of paddy transplantation in the region. On this occasion, LG Sinha called on agricultural officials and scientists to embed the campaign’s outcomes into long-term governance strategies.
“Let this Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan not just end in ceremonies and reports, but continue to resonate in our policies, partnerships, and priorities,” he urged.
Progressive farmers from the Valley shared their success stories and expressed gratitude to the LG-led administration for its support and proactive engagement. Addressing concerns raised by farmers, LG Sinha urged the J&K Agriculture Minister to prioritize extending the benefits of the PM Fasal Bima Yojana to horticulture farmers.
The Lieutenant Governor also launched several new initiatives and publications by SKUAST Kashmir and distributed sanction letters to tribal farmers under various schemes. He extended congratulations to the Mountain Research Centre for Field Crops for developing 20 new rice varieties adapted to Kashmir’s agro-ecology.
A two-minute silence was observed in memory of civilians killed in the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
Under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, more than 2.80 lakh farmers in J&K have been engaged and educated on modern, low-cost, high-yield techniques suited to their local conditions. The campaign has focused on sustainable practices, access to scientific research, and awareness of welfare schemes.
Among those present at the event were Javid Ahmad Dar, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj; Ms. Sakina Itoo, Minister for Education, Health & Medical Education and Social Welfare; Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the LG; Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST Kashmir; V.K. Birdi, IGP Kashmir; scientists, faculty, students, and members of the farming community.
Also in attendance were Mohd Afzal Parray, Chairman DDC Kulgam; Members of the Legislative Assembly; Heads of Departments; and prominent citizens from diverse walks of life.