Secretary, Planning Development and Monitoring Department (PD & MD) Dr Raghav Langer on Wednesday kick started wheat sowing across the fence at the International Border (IB) with Pakistan in Chack Changa, Hiranagar of Kathua district.
The Secretary, PD & MD was accompanied by DIG, BSF, Hari Om; DC Kathua Rahul Pandey; DDC Member Marheen Karan Kumar Attri, SDM Rakesh Kumar and Chief Agriculture Officer Sanjeev Rai.
Dr Langer said the UT Administration along with the BSF authorities is actively pursuing the potential of cultivation in the border belt so that farming communities get maximum benefit from the chunk of land, which was lying unutilized hitherto.
Dr Langer suggested adoption of mechanized ways of farming by establishing machinery banks under BADP, SSY schemes so as to empower local farming communities in reaping rich dividends from their produce.
The Chief Agriculture Officer Kathua informed that the target for sowing wheat crop is enhanced to 200 acres from the current Rabi season which, he said, will be achieved with the handholding efforts of all stakeholders, government agencies and departments.
Dr Raghav Langer also inspected various developmental works, rural assets of border panchayats and interacted with progressive farmers at Haripur.
Later, Dr Langer presided over the proceedings of block Diwas at RC Farms Marheen wherein he threw light on the object of public outreach initiative of the government to listen to the grievances at doorsteps of the people.
Referring to the avenues of opportunities in border areas, Dr Raghav Langer said youth should aim at becoming a job creator rather than job seeker. He said youth should explore opportunities in entrepreneurship by availing self-employment opportunities extended by the government.
After listening to the issues of the locals, the DC redressed many grievances on the spot and passed a slew of directions to the concerned officers for early redressal of the projected issues. He assured the public that all their genuine grievances shall be redressed in a time bound manner.