Doda (Jammu & Kashmir), March 23 (NationPress) Nestled in the serene hills of Doda, where terraced fields thrive on the mountainsides and the seasonal rhythms govern daily life, a significant transformation was unfolding.

At the Community Hall, farmers from all corners of the district convened for a two-day workshop organized by the Department of Agricultural Production and Farmers' Welfare, under the auspices of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture.

The focus of the event, “Enhancing Sustainable Agriculture through Climate-Smart Techniques and Higher Farm Productivity,” resonated throughout the hall.

Among the participants was Basharat Ali Malik, a farmer who embarked on his agricultural journey in 2006. Malik attentively absorbed the insights shared by experts on various subjects, including subsidies, polyhouses, and contemporary farming methods.

He voiced his experiences, stating: "I make between Rs 5 lakh and 6 lakh every year from my agricultural pursuits. These initiatives have truly altered our situation. We are no longer just surviving; we are thriving."

The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm. For many younger farmers, Basharat served as a testament to the potential of agriculture to be both sustainable and financially rewarding when modernized and supported.

On stage, Mushroom Development Officer Susheel Rattan Sharma addressed the assembly.

His tone was steady, yet his message was compelling. “Our mission is straightforward,” he asserted. “Every farmer in Doda should gain from these initiatives—whether they stem from the Central Government or the Union Territory. Everyone deserves a chance.”

He elaborated on the ongoing efforts to enroll farmers under the MIDH, which provides up to a 60% subsidy—rising to 90% in Himalayan regions—for projects such as nurseries, plantation expansion, and post-harvest management. For a region like Doda, where geographical constraints often limit opportunities, such assistance is transformative.

Farmers received training on the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, spices, and flowers during the sessions.

Discussions centered around climate-smart practices, efficient irrigation, and enhanced productivity methods. What once seemed daunting now appeared achievable. The benefit of the workshop was that attending farmers acquired substantial knowledge about innovative cultivation techniques.

At the conclusion of the workshop, participants departed not merely with brochures and data, but with a revitalized sense of purpose. In Doda, agriculture was evolving beyond a mere livelihood; it was paving the way toward prosperity.