Annual Agriculture and Horticulture Exhibition cum Kissan Mela was jointly organised by the Department of Horticulture and the Department of Agriculture, Kargil on October 16 at Batalik.

While congratulating the departments of Horticulture, Agriculture, and KVK Kargil for having organized the annual exhibition cum kissan mela, Feroz Ahmad Khan, CEC, Kargil expressed optimism that the step will go a long way in enhancing the level of understanding of the farmers in terms of adopting diverse cropping pattern and use of modern agriculture and horticulture techniques which would help them to attain economic security. 

Feroz Ahmad Khan said that farming practices in agriculture, horticulture, and allied sectors should be in line with the changing trends and demands of the present times, and vegetable and fruit growers need to be apprised with better processing, packaging, and marketing procedures so that they are in a position to improve their economy.

He said that introduction of globally accepted techniques, farm machinery, and promotion of diversified cropping systems was the priority of the LAHDC to make horticulture, agriculture, and activities in the allied sectors a profitable activity. He also stressed on organizing of massive awareness about these schemes and programmes at district, block, and Panchayat levels to enlighten the farming community about new farm machinery, hybrid seeds, organic farming, and other agriculture inputs for better produce. 

Underlining the potential of agriculture, horticulture and allied sectors in providing economic security to the rural population, he urged the progressive farmers especially the educated unemployed youth to start their business ventures in these sectors by way of establishing of business units for which the LAHDC, Kargil would extend them all possible support.

E C Agriculture, Muhammad Ali Chandan advised the farmers to adopt integrated farming and cultivate high-value crops with value addition to increase their income. He stressed the farmers to brand their products and adopt cooperative based market linking so that the agriculture and horticulture sectors are made remunerative. 

He urged the CEC, Kargil to devise a mechanism for viable marketing opportunities to the farmers to enable them to sell their produce in fruit mandis.

Officers of Agriculture and Horticulture departments highlighted the achievements of their respective departments. He apprised the CEC about various schemes being undertaken for the welfare of the farming community in the district.

CEC and EC Agriculture inspected the stalls set up by the departments showcasing different varieties of locally grown fruits and vegetables by the local farmers. Farm machinery was also showcased during the mela. 

Farmers interacted with the agricultural scientists and officers who gave them suggestions regarding the present technology and schemes. People including growers, farmers, and entrepreneurs from Batalik and adjoining villages were present at the event.

Prizes were also distributed among the progressive farmers and those who had exhibited their locally grown vegetables and fruits during the annual exhibition cum kissan mela.

Later, CEC along with the EC Agriculture and other concerned officers visited Chulichan Shagaran to inspect the proposed site for construction of Batalik War Memorial.