Srinagar, 16 October (H.S.): In a significant push towards agricultural modernisation and enhanced farm productivity, Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today approved a revised Annual Action Plan (AAP) worth Rs.13.76 crore for 2026–27 under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) component of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY).

The meeting was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Production Department; Secretary, Rural Development Department; Secretary, Planning; Secretary in APD; Heads of Departments of the Agriculture Production Department; and other concerned officers.

Emphasising the critical role of irrigation in improving agricultural productivity across Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Secretary stressed the need to accord focused attention to irrigation schemes to strengthen the farming sector and enable farmers to realise its full potential.

He advised the Agriculture Production Department to take forward key interventions under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP), drip irrigation and the Command Area Development component. He underscored the significance of these interventions in improving water-use efficiency, expanding irrigation coverage and ensuring optimal utilisation of agricultural land.

The Chief Secretary stressed that mechanisation and irrigation must progress in tandem to enhance farm efficiency, improve crop productivity and strengthen the overall agricultural economy of Jammu and Kashmir.

The plan, approved by the State Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC) chaired by the Chief Secretary, aims to expand access to modern farm machinery, improve operational efficiency and promote technology-driven agricultural practices across Jammu and Kashmir.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar