Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries, Abdul Gani Kohli today inaugurated Rs 57.40 lakh district laboratory-cum-store building of Sheep Husbandry Department at Haripora in Ganderbal district. The building housing fully equipped laboratory would facilitate treatment of livestock besides act as multiple store for feed and fodder.On the occasion, the Department organized an awareness camp for the sheep breeders of the area in which a good number of farmers were present.Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that about 80% population of the State lives in the rural areas and most of them are directly or indirectly involved in livestock farming. He said this sector is emerging as important growth leverage to State economy and its share to Gross State Domestic Products is also increasing. He said that with the strenuous efforts of the present dispensation the livestock is emerging as an important sector in the economy. “From livelihood perspective, the livestock is considered as an important instrument in poverty alleviation,” said the Minister. He said livestock provides the major extra contribution to agriculture through manure, fuel and as a fertilizer apart from meat, milk, eggs that grant a regular supplementary income and employment.Kohli urged upon the farmers to come forward and avail the benefits of several innovative and welfare schemes launched by the Government.
The Minister said that reformative measures have been taken in the Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries Departments during last three years which include preparation of seniority lists of all the employees of these Departments, framing of poultry policy, setting up of poultry and milk villages etc. He said that the Government is contemplating to set up a separate University for Animal and Sheep sectors aimed at to provide a boost to these sectors.Earlier, the Minister inspected functioning of Sheep Products Development Board commonly known as Wool Board at Nowshehra, Srinagar and took stock of its activities.The Minister was apprised that the Board has earned an amount of Rs 1.50 crore on account of sale of graded wool during this year, so far. He was informed that there is 6.40 lakh kgs raw wool available in the Wool Boards of Kashmir and Jammu. Out of this, 3.56 Lakh kgs raw wool is available with the Wool Board Kashmir while as 2.84 Lakh kgs raw wool is in the stock of Wool Board JammuThe Minister was informed that the Board has purchased 54000 kgs of wool from breeders during this year for which 17 procurement centres have been established all over in the Valley. The Minister enjoined upon the Department’s officials to work in synergy and ensure to provide better services to the breeders. He stressed upon the concerned to ensure maintenance of cleanliness in and around the complex. Director, Sheep Husbandry Kashmir, Dr Muhammad Ramzan, Managing Director Wool Board, Dr Sharief Din, Sub Divisional Magistrate Kagan and other Senior Officers of Animal and Sheep Husbandry Departments were present on the occasion.