JAMMU, Dec 2: The Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), a key initiative of the J&K Agriculture Production Department, has been awarded the Skoch Gold Award for Excellence, acknowledging its effective execution and transformative impact on the agricultural sector.
Join Daily Excelsior on WhatsApp for the Latest News
The HADP was conceived under the visionary guidance of Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, with Principal Secretary Shailendra Kumar playing a pivotal role in its successful implementation. The award was accepted by the Mission Director of HADP.
This ambitious initiative, with a total investment of Rs. 5013 crore, encompasses 29 projects within agriculture and allied fields, developed by an Apex Committee established by the Lieutenant Governor. The roadmap has been approved by the UT Administrative Council led by the Lieutenant Governor of J&K. The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, publicly launched HADP on March 7, 2024, in Srinagar. Since its inception, the program has received overwhelming public support, with over 200,000 registrations and 340,000 applications submitted for more than 120 beneficiary-oriented schemes in agriculture and related sectors.
Through the Kisan Sampark Abhiyan, the program has significantly impacted the lives of 900,000 individuals across 4,000 Panchayats in Jammu & Kashmir, establishing itself as the largest outreach initiative for farmers in the region, delivering vital information, training, and resources to the agricultural community.
In a significant advancement towards accessibility, Phase I has seen the establishment of 500 Kisan Khidmat Ghars (Farmer Service Centers), with an additional 1,500 planned for the future. These centers are designed to be a comprehensive service hub for farmers, providing everything from farm supplies to expert guidance and real-time updates.
The Skoch Award highlights the transformative vision and solid execution of HADP, heralding a new chapter in the agricultural development of Jammu & Kashmir. With its inclusive and participatory model, this program is driving sustainable growth, boosting productivity, and enhancing livelihoods in the region.
