Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries, Abdul Gani Kohli today said that welfare schemes especially aimed at the farmers need to be implemented effectively so that the people get maximum benefit out of these.The Minister was speaking during the review meeting of Animal, Sheep and Fisheries Departments, here today.The Minister said to develop all these sectors, there is need to work with more vigor and dedication for achieving the targets for the benefit of the people. He exhorted upon the concerned functionaries of these departments for making earnest efforts to develop these sectors for growth of economic profile of the farmers.The Minister directed the concerned to prepare action plan for implementation of welfare schemes launched by the government for the development of Fish, Animal and Sheep rearing in the State. He said there is huge potential under these sectors and the unemployed youth can easily earn their livelihood by choosing these sectors as their profession.The Minister directed the concerned officers to achieve the physical and financial targets well in time under these sectors and ensure that all welfare schemes reach to the deserving.“Priority should be given to resolve the issues of the farmers besides benefits of welfare schemes launched for promotion of livestock and fish production should reach to the deserving,” the Minister said adding that any negligence in this regard would be viewed sternly.
Reviewing the progress of different schemes, the Minister was apprised that out of allocated amount of Rs 1.40 crore Capex budget for the year 2016-17, the Animal Husbandry Department Jammu has spent an amount of Rs 1.27 crore till ending March 2017 under different schemes including creation of infrastructure for the Department. It was given out in the meeting that under various centrally sponsored schemes, an amount of Rs 2.55 crore was provided to the department for the financial year 2016-17, out which of Rs 2.22 crore stands expended during the last financial year. In addition, the Department has registered 65% expenditure under NABARD during last financial year.Reviewing the progress of Sheep Husbandry Jammu, the Minister was informed that 214.774 lakh kg mutton and 46.643 lakh kg wool production was recorded in Jammu division alone till ending March, 2017. The meeting was further informed that under the health cover programme, 78.682 lakh dosings and 16.757 lakh vaccinations were conducted to protect sheep and goat from various diseases.It was also given out in the meeting that about 3386 high quality rams and 448 bucks were distributed by the department among private flocks for cross-breeding purpose during last year.Under State Sector, 27 Sheep Farms of 50 Ewes each under Mini Sheep Farm Scheme and under centrally sponsored scheme RKVY, 11 units of 25 sheep each and 20 units of 10 Ewes each were established in Jammu division for generating employment for unemployment youth. With regard to acquaint the farmers with latest technical knowhow, 135 demonstrations and 6 Kissan Ghostis were organized by the department.
While reviewing the Sheep Husbandry Sector Kashmir, the Minister was informed that sheep population in Kashmir Division has risen to 17.51 lakh from 16.07 lakh in 2015-16 and mutton production is 109.35 lakh kgs while as wool production in the Division is 31.45 lakh kgs. 74000 farmers are engaged with sheep and goat farming in Kashmir Division at present.An amount of Rs 3.16 crore was provided to the department under capex budget out of which Rs 2.70 crore has been incurred on various developmental works including creation of infrastructure and establishment of sheep units in Kashmir Division during last financial year, the meeting was informed.While reviewing the Fisheries sector, the Minister was informed that total fish production of the state is 20.39 thousand tones. There are 1028 carp units and 485 trout units in the State out of which 76 carp units and 97 trout units were established during 2016-17.Against the target of Rs 5.55 crore, the department has achieved Rs 5.60 crore revenue target up to ending March, 2017. It was also given out in the meeting that the department has conducted 2 Kisan Melas, 12 Kisan Ghostis and 180 awareness camps for the existing and prospective farmers in the state.15000 fishermen are provided with insurance cover in the State and under Blue Revolution Scheme (BRS), Mahseer Brood Bank has started functioning at Kalakote, Rajouri.Among others, Commissioner/Secretary Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries R K Bhagat, Director Sheep Husbandry Kashmir, Dr. Kranti Kumar, Director Sheep Husbandry, Jammu Dr. Ashok Kumar Gupta, Director Animal Husbandry, Jammu Dr. S. K. Abrol, Director Animal Husbandry Kashmir Dr M. Y. Chaproo, Director Fisheries, J&K R. N. Pandita, MD Wool Board, and District Officers of concerned departments of Jammu Division attended the meeting.