Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo Opens IFAD Learning Forum in Jammu & Kashmir

On August 6, the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre in Srinagar hosted the two‑day IFAD Project Partners’ Learning Forum 2026, organized by the Mission Directorate of the Jammu & Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement Project (JKCIP) under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo inaugurated the event, stressing the role of technology, innovation and institutional convergence in building resilient, market‑oriented agriculture and highlighting the empowerment of women farmers.

The forum, themed “Celebrating the International Year of Women Farmers: Empowering Women, Transforming Agriculture,” brought together senior government officials, IFAD representatives, project directors, Farmer Producer Organisations, entrepreneurs and development professionals. Speakers including Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie of SKUAST‑Kashmir and IFAD India Country Director James Marc de Sousa‑Shields underscored the importance of research, digital agriculture, agri‑startups and stronger linkages between research institutions and farmers. The inaugural session also launched three new JKCIP initiatives aimed at expanding digital agriculture and livelihood opportunities across the region.