Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries, Abdul Gani Kohli today inaugurated a Sheep Mela at Solki Kalakote in Rajouri.The one day Ram/Buck show, awareness camp was organized by the Sheep Husbandry Department under centrally sponsored scheme National Live Stock Mission, for the sheep and goat breeders of the area in which high breed male animals , best animals for wool and mutton besides Beetal goat for milk were introduced. A large number of people of the area associated with livestock breeding participated in the Mela.Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that about 80 percent 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.Kohli directed the concerned to organize such camps in other parts of the State so that that people may get optimum benefits from the people friendly schemes launched by the government.
The Minister directed the concerned officers to conduct frequent field visits to every nook and corner of the State and ensure that the vaccination and other treatment is being given to the livestock at time to prevent them from various diseases.Asking youth to come forward and take advantages of various schemes launched by the Centre and State governments for their welfare the Minister said that this sector has vast potential for employment generating.On the occasion, the Minister distributed an amount of Rs 68000 among best sheep breeders of the area as an incentive for choosing livestock farming as a profession. The best farmers were selected by a committee of experts on the spot as 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize winners in different categories.Directors and Scientists of SKUAST (J) demonstrated various skills of latest technology which can be adopted by the farmers for rearing of sheep and goat and increasing milk, mutton and wool production which can enhance their income.Director, Sheep Husbandry Jammu, Sanjeev Kumar, senior officers of Sheep/Animal Husbandry, wool Board, Scientists and Experts of SKUAST, Jammu, Senior Officers of the allied Departments besides officers of district administration Rajouri and a large number of livestock breeders were present on the occasion.