Srinagar, August 12: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today emphasized the important need for self -sufficiency in agriculture and allied sectors of Jammu and Kashmir, saying that these regions are the backbone of the economy of the region and provide huge employment potential.
The Chief Minister made these comments presiding over a program at Shalimar Convention Center, Scout-K, where he formally submitted orders for appointment to the newly recruited Veterinary Assistant Surgeons (VASS) and Horticulture Development Officers (HDOs).
Addressing the new appointments, the Chief Minister underlined the important role of agriculture, contributing significantly to the GDP of Jammu and Kashmir. “No matter how much we grow in other areas, there is no alternative to agriculture and its affiliated areas, which contribute the most to our GDP,” he said. He rejected the notion of a competition between agriculture and tourism, highlighting that the primary opportunity for employment and development is within the agriculture sector.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah spoke in length about the government’s attention on the dairy region, announced a plan to set up a dairy processing unit in every two districts of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that only 4% of daily milk production is currently processed, which provides 96% raw materials for industrial use. “This is an area where we have raw materials for the industry, and we do not need to import it or look for a market outside,” he said. He said that processed milk can generate much higher value for farmers than unhappy milk.
Chief Minister Abdullah also touched the challenges faced by the agricultural sector, including increasing population, shrinking agricultural land and patterns of unexpected weather.
He emphasized the importance of organic farming, vertical farming and new methods and technologies to adopt new methods and technologies to ensure sustainable development and self -reliance. He warned against the risks of relying external sources for products such as meat, citing concerns on quality and handling.
In his address to the new officers, the Chief Minister urged him to dedicate himself to his roles. “Your office is not an office, your office is an area,” he said, encouraging them to be associated with ground realities. He insisted that his honest and proper work in important veterinary and horticulture areas can bring significant positive changes in people’s lives.
Agriculture Production Minister, Javid Ahmed Dar also spoke at the event, stating that about 70% of the population of Jammu and Kashmir is directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture and allied sectors. He confirmed the government’s commitment to support this important sector and urged the agricultural community to avail the benefits of overall agricultural development program (HATP) and other major schemes to promote the rural economy.
He congratulated the newly appointed officers and encouraged him to contact his work with dedication, innovation and people-focused focus. The minister emphasized that coordinated efforts between the government, region officials and the agricultural community are necessary to achieve sustainable development, food security and economic prosperity.
On this occasion too, Shealendra Kumar, Principal Secretary Agricultural Production Department, Prof. Nazir was present with Gani, Vice Chancellor, Scout-Kashmir, other dignitaries and families of new appointment.