Srinagar, Aug 12 (KNO): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Tuesday 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 Omar Abdullah 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. "This is an area where we have the raw material for industry, and we don't need to import it or look for a market outside," he said. He added that processed milk could generate a much higher value for farmers compared to unprocessed milk.
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.
In his address to the new officers, the Chief Minister urged them to dedicate themselves to their roles. "Your office is not an office, your office is a field," he said, encouraging them to be connected to the ground realities. He stressed that their honest and proper work in the vital veterinary and horticulture sectors could bring about significant positive change in the lives of the people.
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.
He congratulated the newly appointed officers and encouraged them to approach their work with dedication, innovation, and a people-centric focus. The Minister emphasized that coordinated efforts between the government, field officers, and the farming community are essential for achieving sustainable growth, food security, and economic prosperity in the region.
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—(KNO)