Principal Secretary Animal Husbandry, Sheep, Fisheries and Transport, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon conducted an extensive tour of district Kupwara, during which he inaugurated and inspected various developmental projects besides reviewing the performance of various departments.He was accompanied by District Developmental Commissioner (DDC) Kupwara, Khalid Jahangir, Director Fisheries R. N Pandita, Director Animal Husbandry, Dr M Y Chaproo, Joint Director Fisheries, M. Amin, A.D Fisheries, Showket Ahmed, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer Dr. Ab Rahim, District Sheep Husbandry Officer, M. Sadiq Kathana and others.While inspecting fish farm at Kohru, the Principal Secretary directed the concerned officers for a proper upkeep of the fish farm which is providing table size carp fish for local consumption and also acts as a centre for facilitating livelihood to private fish unit holders.He also visited trout rearing unit Kutlari Mawar where he expressed satisfaction over its quality maintenance.He issued direction for completion of works and projects in progress expeditiously.Dr Samoon also launched an online programme, Information Network Animal Production and Health (INAPH) with the objective of facilitating ready information about the treatment, feeding and other related know how to the people associated with this sector. He inaugurated farmers training school at Kupwara which will come up at an estimated cost of Rs 10 lac.Reviewing the achievements of Animal Husbandry Department during a meeting, he was informed that the cattle population of 1.90 lakhs has been recorded in the district, while as annual milk production is 129.90 th.ton. It was given out that 329 backyard units have been established in the district during the current year. Dr. Samoon impressed upon the officers to conduct farmer's training programmes.
In order to overcome unemployment, he stressed on organizing awareness camps to inspire youth towards employment generation programmes sponsored by Central and State Government.During the meeting, various issues with regard to Liquid Nitrogen Plants were also discussed threadbare. The Principal Secretary also inaugurated veterinary hospital at Kralpora constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 28.77 lac which was a long pending demand of the local people. While inspecting private sheep farm at Wataien, Dr Samoon interacted with officers and officials and emphasized on the delivery of better service to the farmers.Stressing on strengthening and augmentation of infrastructure and extending of various facilities at Government Sheep Breeding Farm Poshnar Handwara, he sought DPR for various requirements from the department. District Sheep Husbandry Officer, Dr. M.S. Khatana on the occasion informed that the total recorded livestock population of sheep and goat is 2.87 lakh in the district, yielding over 14 lakh Kgs of mutton and 3 lac Kgs of fine wool. The number of breeders in the district is 8000 and each breeder earns an average return of over Rs 1.70 lakh per annum from sale of animals and products like wool, mutton, manure etc.During the tour, a number of public deputations interacted with the Principal Secretary and apprised him about various issues. Dr Samoon assured them that their demands will be resolved on priority after proper scrutiny.