 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Nov 26: The Department of Agriculture Jammu, in collaboration with CAB International (CABI), today organised a Stakeholder Review Meeting on the adoption and implementation of the PlantwisePlus Plant Clinic Programme. The event focused on reviewing ongoing activities, strengthening coordination mechanisms, and discussing future interventions for enhancing the plant health advisory system across the Jammu Division. The programme was chaired by Joint Director Agriculture (Extension), Jammu, Sh. Sanjay Anand, who was joined by Joint Director Agriculture (SLUB/Farms), Jammu, Sh. Aman Jyoti Sharma, and Dr. Malvika Chaudhary, Global Team Leader, Digital Tools Uptake, CABI.
Dr. Vishal Gupta, HoD Plant Pathology, SKUAST-J; Dr. Manju Thakur, Crop Health Advisor, CABI; S. Tejinder Singh from Kisan Board Jammu; stakeholder dealers; Chief Agriculture Officers of all districts of Jammu Division; and regional, district, and divisional-level SMS officers also participated in the meeting.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Manju Thakur, followed by programme updates presented by Dr. Malvika Chaudhary. Sh. Rajiv Singh, JAEO & Data Manager, presented the PlantwisePlus progress achieved till date, reporting 42 functional plant clinics, 3084 clinic sessions conducted, and a cumulative total of 8725 farmer queries recorded. District representatives shared updates on their 2025 activity plans and ongoing Fall Armyworm (FAW) campaign initiatives.
In his remarks, the Joint Director Agriculture (Extension), Jammu appreciated CABI's significant support in FAW identification and management and emphasised the need to strengthen capacity-building programmes for Krishi Udhamyis, farmers, input dealers, and progressive farmers. He stressed the importance of establishing Plant Health Clinics at Kisan Khidmat Ghars, ensuring real-time sample data with accurate geo-coordinates, developing IPM model villages, and promoting digital agriculture tools and early warning systems to support farmers. He also highlighted the need for active engagement of SMS-level officers and recommended mandatory certificate courses through CABI Academy for panchayat-level field functionaries to develop a robust cadre of trained Plant Doctors.
The programme concluded with closing remarks from the chair, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Sh. Arun Khajuria, SMS & Resource Person. |
