Jammu, October 23, 2025 – In a significant move towards agricultural modernization, Director Agriculture Jammu Anil Gupta distributed 1 lakh high-yielding hybrid vegetable seedlings to Marh block farmers yesterday under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP). The scheme, to boost productivity and farmers’ earnings, is a significant milestone in Jammu and Kashmir agriculture.
The seedlings, including bell pepper, cucumber, and tomato varieties, were cultivated under the Vegetable Improvement Scheme Jammu to supply disease-free, healthy plants for the maximum yield. Addressing farmers, Gupta emphasised adherence to quality cultivation methods for maximum productivity. “HADP is revolutionising agriculture by providing farmers better-quality inputs and technical support.”. “Utilize these resources for sustainable development and profit,” he exhorted.Joint Director Agriculture Dr. Aman Jyoti Sharma, Agriculture Chemist Vinod Kumar Sharma, Agronomist Vikas Padha, and Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer Khalid Hassan, inspected progress at the impending opening of Centre of Excellence at Marh. The centre, the focal point of HADP, shall be used to refer farmers to training in advanced methods such as protected cultivation and crop diversification.HADP: Changing AgricultureThe Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) is transforming the agri-economy of Jammu and Kashmir by filling gaps between technology, infrastructure, and capacity building programmes. Its greatest contributions are: Quality Inputs: HADP distributes hybrid seeds and seedlings with minimal loss of crops and a 40% increase in yield. Protected Cultivation: Subsidies of ₹1 lakh and assistance for polyhouses facilitate round-the-year cultivation of value crops and counter climate risks. Farmer Empowerment: Training and exposure visits instill the farmers with a skill set in precision farming, apiculture, and integrated systems to render them resilient. Economic and Sustainable Development: HADP generates rural jobs and income growth by enhancing market connections along with green behavior.
Gupta also saw a Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse with demonstration crops, which will act as a model for farmers across Jammu division. “These models are the future of agriculture,” he stated, citing HADP’s work in scaling up such innovations.All the farmers valued the effort, pointing to its potential to transform livelihoods against rising input costs and climate-related stresses.The event demonstrates HADP’s work in establishing agriculture as a pillar of economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir.
