Lt Governor Shri Manoj Sinha attended the ‘Paddy Transplantation Festival’ at Bijbehara, Anantnag, emphasizing the crucial role of paddy cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir’s economy. He highlighted the unwavering commitment of the region’s farmers in ensuring food security and maintaining its agrarian tradition. In his address, the Lt Governor acknowledged the significant contributions of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, particularly the Rs. 5013 crore Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) dedicated to J&K. He emphasized that the HADP and its 29 projects are designed to create a robust and commercially viable agriculture and allied sector. The policies and projects under HADP are founded on the principles of economy, equity, and ecology, aiming to place J&K on a new trajectory of growth, nearly doubling sector outputs, boosting exports, and ensuring the sustainability of agriculture and allied sectors. The Lt Governor reiterated the administration’s commitment to transforming J&K’s farmers into entrepreneurs of excellence. He noted that in the Kashmir Division, 127,167 hectares would be dedicated to paddy cultivation this year, with a total of 294,821 hectares under cultivation during the Kharif season. To support this agricultural push, the Lt Governor directed officials to ensure the timely supply of critical inputs, promote innovative technologies, and explore diversification and intercropping to enhance farm productivity. He announced the forthcoming launch of Kisan Sampark Abhiyan 3.0, aimed at further engaging and supporting the farming community. The Lt Governor highlighted the crucial role of educated youth, experts, officials, and farmers in advancing J&K’s agriculture and allied sectors. He commended the District Administration of Anantnag for facilitating the establishment of Controlled Atmosphere (CA) stores by providing substantial land to the industries department. Addressing the development of the Jablipora Fruit Mandi, the Lt Governor informed that the project has been approved. On the occasion, the Lt Governor e-inaugurated various components worth Rs 3.13 crore established under HADP. He visited stalls put up by various departments and farmers and distributed sanction letters to beneficiaries under different schemes. Progressive farmers shared their success stories and expressed gratitude to the Administration for its support and assistance. Key officials, including Mohammad Yousuf Gorsi, Chairman DDC Anantnag, Sh Shailendra Kumar, Principal Secretary of the Agriculture Production Department, Sh Vidhi Kumar Birdi, IGP Kashmir, Dr. Syed Fakhrudin Hamid, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, along with Heads of Departments, senior officials, farmers, stakeholders, and numerous people, attended the event.