The Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries, Abdul Ghani Kohli called for redoubling the efforts to make Jammu and Kashmir self-reliant in Animal Husbandry sector – which also act as a major pillar of state’s economy.The Minister was chairing a meeting to review the physical and financial progress under the schemes of Animal Husbandry Department.The Minister directed the concerned officers to prepare Action Plan for the year 2018-2019 and also asked them to prepare Detailed Project Reports under National Dairy Project and submit the same to the concerned quarters for accord of necessary sanction.On the issue of shifting of Belicharana Farm, the Minister asked the concerned to consult Division Commissioner Jammu to seek alternate land for the same at Nagrota and Chatha.Expressing concern over the illegal smuggling of livestock, the Minister directed the officers to line up with the concerned security officers at Lakhanpur check post to prevent the illegal theft. Kohli directed to focus on development of hatcheries and poultry farms on latest scientific techniques so that more revenue can be generated, which he said will provide ample job opportunity for the educated unemployed youth of the State.
He said that many unemployed youth have taken up poultry farming as a business opportunity to earn their bread and butter.He also asked them to consult the experts and prepare the DPRs on modern scientific lines. The Minister asked the concerned officers to work with utmost dedication and achieve the fixed targets in full and utilize the funds earmarked for different centrally and state sponsored schemes judiciously.Detailed discussions were also held on various issues including progress on developmental works taken under different schemes including National Livestock Mission (NLM), livestock loss in border firing and status thereof, availability of medicines and vaccines, shifting of Central Veterinary Hospital, Jammu. The Minister said several initiatives would be taken to make functioning of the department more vibrant and efficient.The meeting was attended by Director Animal Husbandry Jammu Dr. Victor Koul, Chief Executive officer Dr. Bharti besides other officers of the department.