Srinagar, Aug 06 (KNO): The two day IFAD Project Partners’ Learning Forum 2026, organised by the Mission Directorate, Jammu & Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement Project (JKCIP)/Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) under the Agriculture Production Department, commenced today at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), Srinagar.
The Learning Forum, centred on the theme “Celebrating the International Year of Women Farmers: Empowering Women, Transforming Agriculture,” was attended by the senior government officials, representatives of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Project Directors from IFAD-supported projects across India, development professionals, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to deliberate on innovative approaches towards inclusive and sustainable agricultural development.
The inaugural session was presided over by Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, who formally inaugurated the Learning Forum and addressed the gathering.
In his keynote address, the Chief Secretary highlighted the transformative role of technology, innovation and institutional convergence in strengthening the agriculture sector. He emphasised the need for greater collaboration among the government institutions, development partners and farming communities to build resilient and market-oriented agricultural systems.
Atal Dulloo also underscored the importance of women farmers as catalysts of rural transformation. He reiterated the government’s commitment towards empowering them through technology, capacity building and entrepreneurship.
The gathering was also addressed by Professor Nazir Ahmad Ganie, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, who emphasised the critical role of research, innovation and scientific interventions in enhancing the agricultural productivity and sustainability. He stressed the importance of stronger linkages between research institutions, extension agencies and farmers to accelerate the adoption of modern technologies and improve rural livelihoods.
Earlier, Dr. Sagar D. Dattatray, Mission Director, HADP/JKCIP, outlined the objectives of the Learning Forum. He highlighted the significant progress achieved under JKCIP in strengthening the institutional systems, promoting digital agriculture, supporting Farmer Producer Organisations, nurturing agri-startups and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities across Jammu & Kashmir.
James Marc de Sousa-Shields, Country Director, IFAD India, also addressed the participants and reiterated IFAD’s commitment towards supporting inclusive rural transformation through partnerships, innovation and knowledge sharing. He appreciated the progress made by JKCIP in establishing a robust digital ecosystem and community-driven implementation model.
A major highlight of the inaugural session was the launch of three key knowledge and digital initiatives under JKCIP. The dignitaries unveiled the fourth issue of JKCIP Pulse, the project’s quarterly knowledge newsletter documenting innovations, field experiences and institutional learning. They also released the JKCIP Annual Report 2025–26, showcasing the project’s achievements during its first full year of implementation.
The occasion further witnessed the launch of Krishi Mitra AI, an AI-powered Crop Advisory and Leaf Diagnosis Platform developed in-house to provide intelligent, personalised and data-driven advisory services to farmers through the JKCIP Digital Ecosystem.
The forum also featured an exhibition showcasing innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture. Ten startups supported under JKCIP displayed their technologies, products and solutions spanning precision agriculture, agri-processing, digital services and value addition. Besides, five Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) showcased a diverse range of high-value agricultural and horticultural products, demonstrating the growing strength of collective farmer enterprises in Jammu & Kashmir.
In addition, thematic exhibition stalls were established by the Department of Agriculture Kashmir, Department of Horticulture Kashmir and the Horticulture Planning & Marketing Department (HPM), highlighting flagship initiatives, farmer-centric interventions and value chain development efforts undertaken across the Union Territory.
The first day concluded with technical interactions, networking sessions and knowledge exchange among project leaders from across the country, laying the foundation for deeper collaboration and shared learning during the remaining sessions of the forum.
The second day of the Learning Forum will feature thematic discussions, experience-sharing sessions by IFAD-assisted projects from different states and field visits to successful Farmer Producer Organisations, agri-startups and Centres of Excellence supported under JKCIP—(KNO)