Excelsior Correspondent
KARGIL, May 2: Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying George Kurian today interacted with minority beneficiaries in Kargil and urged them to take full advantage of Central Government welfare and loan schemes for improving livelihoods.
The programme was organised at Hotel The Kargil by Sindhu Infrastructure Development Corporation (SIDCO) in collaboration with National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC).
Beneficiaries appreciated the financial assistance being provided under various schemes and said it had helped increase their income and support daily needs, especially among artisans, small entrepreneurs and self-employed persons.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister asked beneficiaries to use institutional credit responsibly and expand production of traditional products, handicrafts and local artefacts, saying such items have strong demand in domestic and international markets.
He assured support for market linkages, branding and promotion of local products.
Kurian also highlighted the growing potential of homestay tourism in the region and said the Ministry would support establishment of homestays, while stressing adherence to quality and safety norms.
Earlier, the Minister visited Rainbow Trout and Himalayan Trout fish farms at Andho in Kargil and appreciated the efforts of farm owners.
He said Kargil’s climate and water resources make it an ideal place for trout farming and called for setting up more fish farms to generate employment, promote entrepreneurship and increase fish production.
Officials of SIDCO, NMDFC, local administration and beneficiary groups were present on the occasion.
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