SAMBA: District Development Commissioner Samba, Abhishek Sharma today reviewed the implementation and progress achieved under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) scheme in the district, here at a meeting held in the meeting Hall of the DC office complex.

At the outset, Chief Agriculture Officer S. Madan Gopal Singh welcomed District Development Commissioner Samba along with all participants and put forth a comprehensive update on the advancements made in implementing the HADP across various sectors. He highlighted the promotion of vegetables/ Exotic Vegetables under Open and Hi Tech Protected Cultivation, alongside efforts made to encourage farmers to take up cultivation of Medicinal and Aromatic plants. Additionally, initiatives promoting the production of Millets, Mushroom, Commercial Floriculture, and oilseed projects were emphasized, aiming to diversify farmers' income streams.

The Chair reviewed and discussed the list of eligible beneficiaries for the final Selection/approval of extending scheme benefits under Agriculture and Allied sectors, under Holistic Agriculture Development Programme

The applications were received online on HADP portal, of which 1669 proposals were selected seeking benefits under different components of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme.

The meeting noted a significant response to the HADP scheme, with a surge in applications exceeding the allocated targets which underscores the program's effectiveness in engaging and empowering local farmers.

The DDC reiterated the importance of scaling up the coverage of allied sector schemes, including Animal Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry, Fisheries, Horticulture, Horticulture Planning and Marketing and Sericulture. The emphasis was placed on extending benefits to more beneficiaries, thereby maximizing the impact of the HADP programme across the district.

The DDC called upon all stakeholders to make collaborative efforts towards fostering sustainable agriculture and rural development in Samba district. He also impressed upon the Banks to prioritize the sponsoring of loan cases with proper hand holding to the beneficiaries.

Additional District Development Commissioner, Chief Agriculture Officer, Chief Horticulture Officer, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer and other members of the committee attended the meeting.