Union Agriculture, Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan held a detailed review meeting with Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mr. Omar Abdullah at the State Secretariat in Srinagar today.
Speaking at a press conference later, Chauhan insisted that a developed Jammu and Kashmir is important for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s view of ‘Vikati Bharat’. He said that many important decisions were taken in the interests of farmers and rural residents of the area.
During a conversation with the media with Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah, Mr. Chauhan said that agriculture remains the backbone of the economies of both Indians and Jammu and Kashmir, in which about 50% of the population depends on this for livelihood. He praised the state initiative, ‘Kisan Khidmatghar’-one-stop center that provides farmers access to all agricultural services under one roof.
Chauhan expressed satisfaction with the diversity of horticulture crops grown in the region, such as apples, almonds and walnuts. However, he also raised an important issue – imported plant material often gets infected after two or three years. To address this, a 150-crores clean plant center will be set up in Srinagar under the mission for integrated development of horticulture (MIDH). It will focus on clean, disease-free planting material for apples, almonds, walnuts and berries. Private nursery will also be supported to ensure high quality, pathogen -free plants, provided to farmers.
He also said that farmers in Jammu and Kashmir have received land allocation from the government, but the shortage of official documents will be considered to be included under the Prime Minister Kisan Saman Ni (PM-Kisan) scheme. The government is soon planning to launch the restructured weather -based crop insurance scheme (RWBCIS) to ensure that horticulture crops have been accurately mapped and included under the PM Fasal Bimiojana (PMFB).
Commenting on the demand of a regional horticulture center in the Jammu region, Mr. Chauhan announced that ICAR would support Jammu Agricultural University with necessary infrastructure. The minister further said that the current storage limit in CA (controlled environment) facilities will be extended from 18 months to 24 months.
For Horticulture Mission, subsidy will be provided up to a storage capacity of 5,000 metric tons, and even those who have built features with 6,000 MT capacity will be eligible for subsidy up to 5,000 metric tons. A MoU will also be signed between ICAR and the university to facilitate cooperation.
Exposing ‘Saffron’ as a symbol of Kashmir’s identity, Shri Chouhan announced that the central government would establish a tissue culture laboratory and nursery to promote saffron production. He said that the National Saffron Mission would be modified as per local conditions, and an expert team of scientists would be formed to improve productivity and reduce losses.
To improve soil health and fertilizer regulation, quality control labs will be installed in Kathua, Baramulla and Anantnag. Under the RKVY scheme, efforts will also be made to increase irrigation by reducing the interval from the canal to the area.
Chauhan recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the region, where he had announced more than 4,200 crore under Phase IV of Prime Minister Village Sadak Yojana to improve road connectivity in rural areas. He appreciated the fast-paced work of J&K government and said that road construction for the remaining areas will start soon.
He said that 93% of the houses have been completed under the PM Awas Yojana, and the remaining eligible beneficiaries have been identified with a pool of 500,000 applicants – the houses will be allotted after verification. To reduce rural poverty, women are being empowered through self -help groups under the NRLM, with several millionaires Didi and even millionaire Didis are earning ₹ 10 million annually.
Regarding employment, he said that targets have been set to ensure job availability through MGNREGA, and training programs for youth will also start soon. The government will also ensure that there is no eligible farmer left from the Kisan Credit Card Scheme.
Finally, Chauhan said that the government is proud of its achievements and is committed to implementing central schemes effectively. Echoing from the point of view of Prime Minister Modi, he assured that all efforts would be made to accelerate the development of Jammu and Kashmir. He thanked the Chief Minister and confirmed the commitment to work together for the progress of the region.