Minister for Agriculture Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura Thursday said that agriculture and sericulture sectors are among the top priorities of Government.The Minister was addressing a gathering at Nagam Chadoora in district Budgam today after inaugurating a Kissan Mela organised there.Deputy Commissioner, Budgam Mir Altaf Ahmad, Director Agriculture, Kashmir, Mr. Altaf Ahmad Andrabi, farmers and prominent citizens of Chadoora area including political leader Mr. Mohi-u din Muntazar were present on the occasion.Mr. Hanjura emphasized on introducing latest technology in agriculture, sericulture, animal and sheep husbandry to enhance the socio-economic conditions of the farming community, adding that growth in the agricultural and allied sectors will bring rapid transformation in the socio-economic profile of the people of the state.
He appealed farmers to avail benefits from the schemes launched by the Government adding that Government has launched several Centre and State sponsored schemes with an aim to uplift the farming community. He said focused attention is being given to promote agriculture, horticulture animal and sheep husbandry sectors as these have a huge potential in the State of Jammu and Kashmir but need is to adopt latest techniques besides launching awareness campaign in every nook and corner of the State to educate farmers about the use of latest and fast developing scientific methods. He said the government is also providing hi-yielding seeds to the farmers.Hanjura expressed hope that the deliberations held during the Mela will prove beneficial for the participants and will pave way for bringing about excellence in agriculture, horticulture, animal and sheep husbandry sectors.On the occasion, the Minister announced Bush Cutter for Government Girls High School, Nagam. He also directed the Block Development Officer Chadoora to start ground levelling of the school premises on priority.
Later, Mr. Hanjura distributed cheques worth Rs 29.52 lakh among 43 families of Charar-e-Sharief Constituency whose houses were damaged due to landslide, land erosion and fire incidents under the State Disaster Fund (SDF). He also distributed cheques worth Rs 2.62 lakh among 14 families of Below Poverty Line for construction of their residential houses in Charar-e-Sharief Constituency under the Indira Awas Yojna (IAY).Earlier, the Minister went round various stalls demonstrating modern machinery equipments, implements, tools, pesticides of various brands and together with their usage. He took keen interest in observing the usage of these modern equipments.During the inaugural address, DC Budgam Mir Altaf Ahmad informed the about the aims and objectives of the Mela. He hoped that the farmers will take benefit from it.Director Agriculture Kashmir in his address highlighted the activities of the department and the schemes available for the benefit of the farmers.