STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The J&K Advisory Board for Development of Kisans on Saturday convened board meeting under the chairmanship of its Vice Chairman and Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Agriculture Production Department, Atal Dulloo.
Professor J P Sharma, Vice Chancellor SKUAST, Jammu was also present in the meeting. The meeting had detailed discussion on present status of Irrigation network in Jammu Division besides chalking out a workable solution for complete de-slitting and renovation of irrigation canals, minors and tributaries so that farmers whose land is on the tail end of these canals can get water throughout crop season. Further, a proper calendar for the opening and closing of these canals was discussed based on the actual requirement of water as per available cultivable area, after taking into consideration the present environmental changes viz-a-viz global warming. While addressing the meeting, ACS said that the concerns raised by Board members needs to be addressed jointly and the irrigation problem in Jammu division needs to be tackled seriously. He endorsed the suggestions put forth by VC SKUAST-Jammu and the Board members. He advised that SKUAST-J and SKUAST-K should immediately start two Incubation Centres where training to farmers can be given on usage of water in their crops, management of irrigation resources, proper and judicious use of fertilizers in their fields. Atal Dulloo asked the Irrigation and Flood Control Department Jammu to schedule a workable calendar in consultation with Director Agriculture Department Jammu for opening and closure of these canals so that farmers concerns are addressed.
ACS said that the defunct khulls, dug wells and tube wells should be immediately made operational and proper funds be projected in this regard. He further advised that the siphons constructed on irrigation canals which have either damaged or blocked should be immediately repaired. Taking a serious note of non allotment of solar pumps to the farmers who have deposited their marginal money under PM-KUSUM scheme with the J&K Energy Development Agency, Atal Dulloo directed CEO JKEDA to immediately initiate action against the company / firm who has failed to deliver solar pumps to the farmers. He further asked for covering maximum farmers under PM-KUSUM Scheme. ACS asked the Secretary J&KAB for Development of Kisans to raise awareness among masses to avoid dumping of domestic wastes in to these canals. He asked the Board to conduct these programms in coordination with RDD Jammu besides JMC and schools.