Principal Secretary Animal/Sheep Husbandry, Fisheries and Transport, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon, today conducted an extensive tour of district Bandipora during which he inaugurated Diagnostic Labs at Sumbal and Bandipora which are equivalent to grade 1 veterinary hospitals.About Rs 60 lakh has been incurred on the execution of these labs under central sponsored RIDF Scheme.District Development Commissioner Bandipora Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Director Animal Husbandry Kashmir, Dr M Y Chaproo, Joint Director Animal Research Dr Tahir Hussain Baigh were present on the occasion.Samoon also inaugurated Veterinary Dispensary at Nesbal, constructed at a cost of Rs 11.60 lakh under centrally sponsored scheme Establishment and Strengthening of Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensary (ESVHD).Speaking on the occasion Dr Samoon said these veterinary institutions will provide added diagnostic and medical facilities at doorsteps as till now these facilities were available at Srinagar only.Dr Samoon also inspected District Veterinary Complex at Bandipora and went around various sections including Artificial Breeding Station, Poultry Rearing Space, Vaccine Bank and Diagnostic Laboratory and interacted with Veterinary doctors and para-vets.He also took a review meeting with the concerned Officers and got appraisal regarding the achievement of Animal/ Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries department.
He also gave various on spot decisions to make the field functionaries more vibrant and responsive. He directed for construction of Farmers Training Hall and operation theatre for small and large animals at Bandipora, for which he asked Director Animal Husbandry to submit DPRs. He directed for posting of senior Veterinary Assistant Surgeons to Gurez and Tulial areas.Reviewing the sheep husbandry sector, it was informed that sheep/goat population has reached 2.52 lakh while as yearly mutton production has gone up to 13 lakh kgs.Taking stock of Fisheries sector, the Principal Secretary said that incentives for fishermen will be increased to boost the fisheries Sector in the district.It was also given out that the Animal Husbandry Department Bandipora has achieved the target of 90,000 tonnes milk while as egg production reached to 4.48 million.Referring to vacancies of Veterinary Assistant Surgeons, Samoon said that all vacant posts of VAS and Para vets would be filled up soon through PSC and SSRB.Samoon also announced the provision of pick up Van / Ambulance for critically ail animals. He also directed for the establishment of the small hatchery for backyard poultry rearing in the district.He also called for the establishment of Modal Dairy / Poultry units to address the problem of unemployed youth.Later, the Principal Secretary visited DC office Bandipora and got brief regarding the developmental scenario of the district from District Development Commissioner Bandipora Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary.During the visit, among others Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Bandipora Dr Altaf Hussain Kangoo, District Sheep Husbandry Officer Bandipora Dr Basharat Kathoo and Technical Officer Dr. Aarif Mohammad Khan.