Gonda: District Magistrate Priyanka Niranjan directed officials to ensure the effective and transparent implementation of horticulture and agriculture-based schemes so that eligible farmers receive their benefits without delay. She also stressed the need to connect farmers with modern technology and micro-irrigation systems.
A detailed review meeting on various schemes operated by the Horticulture Department and the proposed programmes for 2026-27 was held at the Collectorate auditorium under the chairpersonship of the District Magistrate. Officials reviewed the progress and upcoming activities under the Integrated Horticulture Development Mission, Chief Minister’s State Horticulture Development Scheme, Per Drop More Crop-Micro Irrigation Scheme and Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme.
Niranjan instructed officials to strengthen awareness campaigns and provide farmers with clear information about the objectives, eligibility criteria, subsidies and application procedures of various schemes. She said wider dissemination of information would help more eligible farmers access government assistance.
During the review of the Per Drop More Crop-Micro Irrigation Scheme, the District Magistrate emphasised water conservation and the promotion of modern irrigation techniques. Officials were directed to encourage farmers to adopt drip irrigation and other micro-irrigation methods to achieve higher agricultural productivity with less water.
Reviewing programmes under the Integrated Horticulture Development Mission and the Chief Minister’s State Horticulture Development Scheme, the District Magistrate stressed the need to provide farmers with quality planting material, technical guidance and other horticulture-related facilities. She directed officials to regularly monitor progress at the area level and achieve the prescribed targets within the stipulated timelines.
While reviewing the PMFME scheme, Niranjan emphasised promoting food processing and value addition at the local level. She directed officials to provide farmers and small entrepreneurs with information and guidance on schemes related to self-employment and food processing, enabling them to explore opportunities in the sector.
Chief Development Officer Dayanand Prasad, Deputy Director Horticulture, District Horticulture Officer Rashmi Sharma, farmers from various areas and officials from concerned departments attended the meeting.
Officials were also given necessary directions regarding effective implementation of schemes, resolution of farmers’ grievances and better coordination among departments.
