District Admin to provide solar dryers to farmers for value addition of farm produce: DC

JK News Today
Udhampur, April 02:

To sensitizes Self Help Groups (SGH)s formed under NRLM (UMEED) on enhancing the marketing potential of their products, a team of experts from Tamil Nadu based organization today visited District Udhampur.


The team of experts interacted with the Officers/SHGs and shared their experience regarding development of various projects under NRLM and farm allied sectors. The team of experts also visited various NRLM sites in Tikri and Udhampur and interacted with stakeholder officers, bankers and SHGs.


The said visit was materialized on the request of Deputy Commissioner, Indu Kanwal Chib. The Tamil Naidu based organization headed by Director Gratitude Farms private Limited, Rakesh Koul, interacted with officers and Self Helf Groups of J&K Rural Livelihood Mission Udhampur. They motivated SHGs of Tikri and Udhampur to inculcate among the community the essence of organic farming.


Detailed discussion were held on various issues which include Resource mapping of different sectors like Agriculture/Horticulture/Floriculture and other farm produce with quantum and area wise details so that value addition can be done by Installation of Solar drive Technology. During the interaction, the experts gave brief about the solar drive technology and its benefits.


Discussions were also held on the provision of necessary handholding by identified agencies under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) for holding capacity building programs for skill up-gradation of SHGs and farmers.


Later, a meeting was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner wherein it was decided that the said organization, in collaboration with District Administration, would provide solar dryers to SHGs for adding value to the surplus Agricultural produce to make dry vegetables and fruits.


Earlier, District Nodal Officer, JKNRLM, Udhampur Bilal Ur Rehman gave a detailed power point presentation on the National Livelihood Mission in the district.


Speaking on the occasion, the DC and guests appreciated the activities done by SHG members of District Udhampur. She asked the Experts to chalk out and devise strategy and identify the locations for installation of solar dryers in the district. The DDC lauded the efforts of NRLM for providing sustainable livelihood to the poor women of Udhampur District.


Highlighting the role of women in the society, the DC said that through SHGs they would not only get individual benefit but also for the family and community as a whole through collective action for development.


Among others, Rakesh Koul, Director Gratitude farms private Limited, CEO and Managing Director V P Sharma, Strategic Advisor, Raj Kumar Jani and other district officers of various departments besides Bankers and SHGs were present on the occasion.