SHOPIAN, DECEMBER 12: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shopian, Mohammad Shahid Saleem Dar, convened a key meeting with officers from agri-allied departments and experts from SKUAST-K and KVK Shopian to discuss strategies for the socio-economic development of the district. The meeting focused on exploring new interventions to boost the district’s agri-economy and ensure its sustainable growth.
The primary objective of the meeting was to prepare a policy document aimed at strengthening the district’s socio-economic fabric. The document will outline key initiatives to enhance agricultural practices, improve livelihoods, and drive the district’s overall development. Experts from various fields, along with representatives from line departments, deliberated on new approaches to agricultural growth, with a particular focus on integrating innovative solutions and technologies.
A significant topic of discussion was the Soil Profiling approach, identified as crucial for understanding the region’s agricultural potential. Experts emphasised that mapping soil composition and quality would help identify the most suitable crops and farming techniques for Shopian’s unique environment. The goal is to develop tailored economic activities that would offer a competitive advantage to local farmers, improve crop yield, and introduce sustainable practices for long-term growth.
The meeting also delved into various schemes, including the Horticulture & Agricultural Development Plan (HADP), with participants suggesting new measures to strengthen the district’s agricultural economy. These discussions highlighted the importance of enhancing the productivity of existing resources while ensuring environmental sustainability.
DC Shopian stressed that this collaborative effort, combining the expertise of academic institutions, government departments, and local agencies, marks an important step towards a comprehensive socio-economic growth strategy for the district. By leveraging these insights and conducting detailed soil profiling, Shopian can unlock its full agricultural and economic potential, positioning the district as a model for sustainable development in the region.