JAMMU: Principal Secretary, Agriculture Production Department (APD), Shailendra Kumar, today chaired a comprehensive review meeting at the Directorate of Agriculture, Jammu.

The meeting was convened to review the progress on fund utilization under CAPEX, Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSSs) and NABARD for the financial year 2025-26 besides assessing the status of issuance of fertilizer and pesticide licenses across the Union Territory.

The meeting was attended by Secretary in APD, Mission Director HADP/JKCIP, Director Finance APD, Director Agriculture Jammu, Director Horticulture Jammu, Director Law Enforcement, Director Command Area Development Jammu, Managing Director JKAGROS, Director Research SKUAST-Jammu, Joint Directors of Agriculture and allied departments, Deputy Director Agriculture (Planning), Scientists from SKUAST-J, Plant Protection Officer, Chief Agriculture Officers (CAOs), Chief Horticulture Officers (CHOs) from all districts of Jammu division and other senior officers.

The departmental heads presented detailed updates on scheme implementation, challenges encountered and strategic measures to expedite the pending activities.

The Principal Secretary underscored the need for timely execution, optimal fund utilization and enhanced inter-departmental coordination to ensure the benefits of these schemes reach the grassroots level.

Shailendra Kumar reviewed the significant advancements made under HADP, which has been instrumental in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving the farmers livelihoods. He observed that special attention has been given to ensure the expenditure under HADP, CSSs and CAPEX projects align with the overall goal of infrastructure development in the sector. He also had detailed discussion on CSS projects-Krishonnati Yojana, focusing on key flagship schemes like PMKSY, PDMC, SMAM, RAD, RKVY, PKVY, ATMA, NFSM and others aimed at boosting the rural prosperity.

Key directions issued during the meeting included establishing a Centre of Excellence for Entrepreneurship in Precision Vegetable and Floriculture Farming in each district, accelerating bee hive insurance coverage across all districts, prioritizing completion of district-wise unit tracking through the KSOT App and developing a comprehensive calendar for national and international exposure visits for the farmers.

The Principal Secretary also emphasized for resolving the fertiliser and pesticide licensing issues, particularly those faced by krishiudyamis, strengthening district-level enforcement wings, ensuring GPS-based tracking of fertilizer movement and intensifying regular monitoring of pesticide manufacturers and retailers.

The meeting concluded with formulation of a time-bound action plan focused on fast-tracking project implementation and strengthening the agricultural ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.