Midterm review of HADP begins at SKUAST-K

Srinagar, Sep 8: The UT-level Apex Committee for the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) on Monday began a three-day midterm review (2023–2025) at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K). The exercise aims to evaluate the progress of the Rs 5012 crore programme and strategise for the remaining period.

The meeting was chaired by Dr Mangla Rai, noted agriculture scientist and former Director General ICAR, and attended by Financial Commissioner, Agriculture Production Department, Shailendra Kumar. Other key participants included Dr P.K. Joshi, Secretary NAAS; Dr H.S. Gupta, former Director IARI; Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai; Vice Chancellor SKUAST-J Dr B.N. Tripathi; and Dr J.P. Sharma, former VC SKUAST-J.

Prof Ganai, in his welcome address, gave an overview of HADP and its objectives, while Shailendra Kumar highlighted initiatives undertaken by the Agriculture Production Department, stating that the programme was “reaching out to people and uplifting farmers.” Mission Director HADP, Sandeep Kumar, presented a comprehensive two-year progress report of the 29 projects under implementation.

In his remarks, Dr Rai offered several suggestions to strengthen execution and maximise impact. The committee will continue deliberations over the next two days to ensure successful achievement of programme goals.

Earlier, Dr Rai and committee members visited Ganderbal, touring the FPO Facilitation Centre for Aromatic Plants and Medicines at Nunar and the Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-K. The field visit was aimed at assessing on-ground progress and potential of high-value agriculture initiatives.

The Apex Committee is the governing body of HADP, tasked with overseeing its implementation to transform J&K’s agriculture sector and improve the socio-economic conditions of farmers.