DC Budgam conducts review of HADP agri projects, shrine development works

Srinagar, Nov 29: Deputy Commissioner Budgam Dr Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat carried out an extensive field visit to Charar- i-Sharief and Chadoora areas of Sub-Division Chadoora, during which multiple developmental, agricultural and heritage-conservation works being executed under various departments were reviewed in detail.

The visit encompassed a thorough assessment of ongoing initiatives under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP 2024–25), inspection of the Shrine and Bada Talab development project at Charar-i-Sharief, and inauguration of a new library-cum-study space for students at Chadoora, said an official statement.

During his visit to Charar-i-Sharief, the Department of Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare, Zone Charari Sharief, presented an overview of its ongoing activities, programme implementation status and infrastructure upgrades currently underway. The DC was briefed about major interventions being executed under HADP with the aim of strengthening protected agriculture, diversifying vegetable production and supporting high-value crops across Budgam district.

Under the HADP 2024–25, the DC inspected the Hi-Tech Poly House established for beneficiary of Nagam of Sub-Division Chadoora. The project has been sanctioned under the component “Promotion of Exotic Vegetables under Open & Hi-Tech Systems” with a total estimated cost of Rs 22 lakh. The Agriculture Department has extended 95% financial assistance amounting to ?20.58 lakh to support the establishment of the structure. The Concerned Officers explained that the project is aimed at promoting exotic vegetable cultivation through modern protected-agriculture techniques to enable higher productivity, season extension and enhanced income generation for farmers.

During the inspection to Hi-tech poly houses ,the DC said that these interventions are expected to significantly improve the district’s capacity for cultivating high-value exotic vegetables and to boost the adoption of climate-resilient production systems. He observed that the promotion of Hi-Tech Poly Houses will help bring diversification into the agriculture sector and will provide farmers with access to modern, sustainable and market-driven technologies.