Principal Secretary Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries, Asghar Hassan Samoon, today held a meeting to discuss various issues related to the functioning of the departments.On the occasion, the Principal Secretary was informed that the department has started a process to address human resource related issues and in this regard all the vacant posts of veterinary doctors, para-vets and others would be referred to SSB and PSC for selection purposes.While assuring to look into and to address the genuine demands of employees working in these departments, Samoon said departmental promotion committee (DPC) would also be held in near future to promote the deserving employees at an earliest.Urging for the need to introduce latest technology in every sector, the Principal Secretary said introduction of latest techniques in sectors including sheep husbandry, animal husbandry and poultry would not only help in increasing the local production, but it would also increase the earnings of people affiliated with these sectors and address unemployment to a certain degree.Stressing on the need for establishing fish colonies and fish villages across the State, Samoon informed that government is planning to set up two mega fish farms each in Jammu and Kashmir divisions. He added that the trout farming would be promoted in the mega fish farm in Kashmir while the farming of carp fish would be promoted in Jammu division’s mega fish farm. He also called for setting up fish retail and wholesale outlets across the state.
The meeting was informed that presently State is importing 4.5 crore one-day- old chics, along with their feed.Samoon said with the departmental budget of 117 crore to be used in current fiscal, a roadmap needs to be drawn through which while using the budget judiciously State’s import dependency is also reduced to a large extent.He said that the introduction of ‘hybrid cows’ would help in making State self-sufficient in terms of milk production.The meeting was informed that the work is on for establishing of the veterinary university in the State. Besides, to address the employment issues of professionals, the Government would work on to bring two schemes Rehbar-e-Pahsu Palan and Rehaber-Mahigiri.It was also revealed that Government is also mulling to establish wool industry in the state to promote local products and ensure maximum benefits to rearers.To ensure that quality vaccines are procured, Samoon directed that before purchasing of vaccines for livestock a committee of doctors should be established which will decide about the procurement of medicines especially vaccines for livestock.Deliberating about the need to enhance State’s mutton production, the meeting was informed that presently State is importing 290 lakh kgs of mutton, while as local production is 110 lakh kgs only.The Principal Secretary stressed for taking adequate steps so that the local production is increased, saying the State has a good chance to do that as it is bestowed with excellent natural grazing facilities.
Highlighting the need to hold frequent awareness camps, Samoon explained through these camps the unemployed youth could be made aware with various options including sheep farming, fish farming, poultry farming and other allied sectors they could take up to earn their livelihood.He added that people also need to be made aware regarding the benefits of centrally-sponsored schemes.The meeting was informed that the department provides a herd of 25 sheep to each individual interested in sheep raring at the subsidized rates, where the Department will be paying 30 per cent of its price and rest money will be provided by J&K bank on low interest.Besides, the farmers would also be provided with the benefits of insurance and health benefits for their livestock.During the meeting, Samoon also directed to shift the Directorate office of Animal Husbandry Srinagar to city outskirts at a suitable place.It was also decided that two separate “horse farms” would be established at Pahalgam and Gulmarg. The meeting was told that a 30-Kanal land has already been identified for setting up a horse farm at Kathua.Samoon also stressed on adopting the latest techniques at Semen Frozen laboratory Ranbirbagh. Besides he also directed for the opening of clinics for pet animals at the district level.Among others, Director Animal Husbandry Kashmir Mohammad Yusuf Chaproo, Director Fisheries R N Pandita, Director Sheep Husbandry Mohammad Shareef, Officers from Finance, Planning, Agriculture Production and other allied-departments were present in the meeting.