Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javaid Ahmad Dar, accompanied by MLA Pampore, Retired Justice Hasnain Masoodi, on Monday undertook a detailed visit to the Pampore Assembly Constituency and Indian International Kashmir Saffron Trade Centre (IIKSTC) Dusoo, Pampore.

The Minister, along with the MLA, visited several areas including Chandhara, Lethpora, and Khrew, where they interacted with local farmers and reviewed their concerns. Farmers raised a number of issues related to agriculture and allied sectors. The Minister gave them a patient hearing and assured that all genuine demands would be addressed on priority.

The farmers particularly highlighted issues under the National Saffron Mission, stressing the urgent need to make incomplete borewells functional for irrigation purposes. Responding to their concerns, the Agriculture Minister assured that the matter would be taken up on priority and necessary measures would be initiated to resolve this long-pending demand.

As part of the visit, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, District Pulwama, organized a training programme under ATMA 2025-26 at IIKTSC Dusoo, Pampore. The programme was attended by Agriculture Minister Javaid Ahmad Dar, MLA Pampore Retired Justice Hasnain Masoodi, Director Agriculture Kashmir Sartaj Ahmad Shah, ADC Awantipora Mushtaq Ahmad Lone, Tehsildar Pampore Malik Asif Ahmad, Chief Agriculture Officer Pulwama Waheed-ur-Rehman, BDO Pampore Saima Ramzan, along with officers of the Agriculture Department, Saffron Growers Association head Abdul Majeed Wani, and representatives of the farming community, officials told Morning Kashmir.
The programme focused on modern agricultural practices, capacity building, and addressing farmers’ challenges. The dignitaries appreciated the department’s efforts and assured farmers that every possible step would be taken to promote sustainable agriculture and enhance productivity in the district.

Director Agriculture Kashmir Sartaj Ahmad Shah, Additional Deputy Commissioner Awantipora Mushtaq Ahmad Lone, Tehsildar Pampore Malik Asif Ahmad, Chief Agriculture Officer Pulwama Waheed-ur-Rehman, BDO Pampore Saima Ramzan, and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.