*Visits Mughal Garden to inspect conservation works
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 12: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today emphasized the critical need for self-sufficiency in Jammu and Kashmir’s agriculture and allied sectors, stating that these areas are the backbone of the region’s economy and offer vast potential for employment.
The Chief Minister made these remarks while presiding over an event at the Shalimar Convention Centre, SKUAST-K, where he formally handed over appointment orders to newly recruited Veterinary Assistant Surgeons (VASs) and Horticulture Development Officers (HDOs).
Addressing the new appointees, the Chief Minister underscored the pivotal role of agriculture, noting its significant contribution to Jammu and Kashmir’s GDP. “No matter how much we grow in other sectors, there is no alternative to agriculture and its allied sectors, which contribute the most to our GDP,” he said. He dismissed the notion of a competition between agriculture and tourism, highlighting that the primary opportunity for employment and growth lies within the agriculture sector.
Chief Minister spoke at length about the Government’s focus on the dairy sector, announcing plans to establish one dairy processing unit in every two districts of J&K. He pointed out that only 4% of the daily milk production is currently processed, leaving a vast 96% raw material available for industrial use.
Chief Minister Abdullah also touched upon the challenges facing the agriculture sector, including the increasing population, shrinking agricultural land, and unpredictable weather patterns.
He stressed the importance of adopting new methods and technologies, such as organic farming, vertical farming, and polyhouses, to ensure sustainable growth and self-sufficiency. He warned against the risks of relying on external sources for products like meat, citing concerns over quality and handling.
Minister for Agriculture Production, Javid Ahmad Dar, also spoke at the event, stating that approximately 70% of the population of Jammu and Kashmir is directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture and allied sectors. He affirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting this vital sector and urged the farming community to leverage the benefits of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and other flagship schemes to boost the rural economy.
Also present on the occasion were Shailendra Kumar, Principal Secretary Agriculture Production Department, Prof. Nazir Ganai, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, along with other dignitaries and the families of the new appointees.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister visited the historic Mughal Garden Shalimar to inspect the ongoing conservation works being undertaken with the assistance of JSW Foundation under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by the Commissioner Secretary, Floriculture, Gardens & Parks, Director Floriculture Kashmir and representatives of the JSW Foundation.
During the visit, the Chief Minister inspected various key heritage monuments of the garden, including the Pink Pavilion, Rani Mahal, and Black Pavilion. Detailed briefings were given regarding the progress of restoration and conservation activities.
On-the-spot directions were issued to expedite the pace of work and ensure the timely completion of all identified pending tasks, while maintaining the essence of heritage conservation.
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