SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah attended the live streaming of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address from Bhagalpur, Bihar, marking the release of the 19th installment of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana.
The event was held at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K), Shalimar Campus. As Chief Guest, the Chief Minister joined participants, including Minister for Agriculture Production Javaid Ahmad Dar, Members of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly representing Hazratbal, Sonawar, and Chanapora constituencies, as well as progressive, marginal, and small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs from across the district.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister commended the innovative farmers recognised during the event. “Their adoption of progressive techniques, particularly in natural and organic farming, will be instrumental in transforming Jammu and Kashmir’s agricultural landscape.”
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering a farmer-friendly ecosystem that promotes sustainability and long-term agricultural growth.
Earlier, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the Agri-Tech Exhibition organised by SKUAST-K.
The exhibition featured stalls set up by successful farmers, agripreneurs, agri-industrialists, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and university-led initiatives. Inspecting over 100 stalls, the Chief Minister observed exhibits showcasing farmers’ welfare schemes, advanced agricultural inputs, farm machinery, and organic products.
He also visited start-ups led by SKUAST-K students and faculty, commending their contributions to agricultural innovation.
Interacting with agripreneurs, agri-industrialists, and FPOs, the Chief Minister emphasised the significance of such exhibitions, stating, “These platforms provide farmers with access to reliable and updated information, empowering them to adopt modern and sustainable farming practices.”
He was briefed on key exhibits focused on natural and organic farming, as well as Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products unique to the region.
The exhibition also featured live demonstrations of advanced farming technologies aimed at equipping farmers with modern tools and techniques to enhance productivity and sustainability.
Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K, Nazir Ahmad Ganai; Principal Secretary, Agriculture Production, Shalender Kumar; Commissioner Secretary, Science & Technology, Saurabh Bhagat; and other senior officials were also present.
