JAMMU, FEBRUARY 14 (KNO) : Minister for Horticulture Syed Basharat Ahmed Bukhari and Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries Abdul Ghani Kohli today chaired a joint meeting to discuss and derive avenues for development and growth of Animal, Sheep Husbandry, Fisheries departments in Sangrama Constituency.
During the meeting, in depth discussions were held to identify various measures that can be undertaken to improve the livelihood of people involved in these sectors in the said area.
Basharat Bukhari asserting importance of role of these sectors in the economy of farmers, especially in rural communities and small farm households, said that a significant population of the state depends upon livestock for their livelihood. He said with necessary impetus for these sectors in Sangrama Constituency, the vast livestock resources available can be efficiently molded to act as catalyst for economic transformation of these areas.
Abdul Ghani Kohli reiterating his commitment towards upliftment of livelihood of people involved in these sectors assured that all necessary support and assistance will be provided to the people. He asserted that initiatives, opportunities being periodically introduced in the state, if optimally taken advantage of will make these sectors efficient and profitable for people involved.
The meeting elaborated on progress made on various ongoing and upcoming projects in the sectors for the Sangrama Constituency area.
It was informed in the meeting that construction of Animal Husbandry Building at Keeri is being expedited for which land measuring 4 Kanals has already been identified and the DPR has been prepared.
For growth of poultry in the area, a Duck Farm will also be established at Haritar.
Further, a project for establishment of Equine Breeding Farm at Village Saloosa is also in works. It was informed that this project aims to provide better breed of horses in Gulmarg area and will be undertaken under National Livestock Mission (NLM) and NABARD.
Regarding efforts for growth of dairy sector in the area, Muran Shirpora will be adopted and developed as Milk Village, besides one cluster village will be established where upto 10 Milch cows will be provided to around 10-20 Households. It was informed 10 cows will be provides at a cost of Rs 6.5 lakh with a subsidy of Rs 1.25 Lakh.
Likewise, for Poultry Development, Wulraman would be adopted and developed as poultry village under NLM for which, Basharat Bukhari said that he will be contributing Rs 5 lakh form his Constituency Development Fund.
Under this initiative, it was informed that around 10 families will be covered wherein 400 days old chicks will be provided. Apart from this under NLM, 5 unemployed youth will be identified who can establish small Broiler Units. They will be given 600 chicks per year in 4 lots at 150 chicks per lot/hatch, it was stated.
Under Fisheries development initiatives, all possibilities would be explored for establishment for Trout Rearing farm in Dandmoh and for developing Ningli as a hub for fisheries associated activities like a wholesale market as well as an all encompassing processing, drying, packaging set-up. Other efforts include reconstruction of Kalantra Trout farm damaged during 2014 floods.
Immediate directions were also given to Director Fisheries to initiate process for establishment of a few fish farms in the area under "Blue Resolution" Scheme.
Further, it was informed that Ningli has been identified as a place for Angling/other fish activities under Hygam–Ningli–Tarzoo (HNT) Tourism Development Authority.
Officers from concerned departments including Director Animal Husbandry Kashmir and other officers of the department attended the meeting.(KNO)