SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today highlighted the urgent need for Jammu and Kashmir to achieve self-sufficiency in agriculture and allied sectors, emphasizing their foundational role in the region’s economy and their vast potential for job creation.
Speaking at an event held at the Shalimar Convention Centre, SKUAST-K, where he officially handed over appointment orders to newly recruited Veterinary Assistant Surgeons (VASs) and Horticulture Development Officers (HDOs), the Chief Minister underscored agriculture’s critical contribution to Jammu and Kashmir’s GDP.
“No matter how much progress we make in other sectors, agriculture and its allied fields remain irreplaceable and are the biggest contributors to our economy,” he stated. He dismissed any notion of competition between agriculture and tourism, noting that the greatest opportunities for employment and growth lie within agriculture.
Omar Abdullah also outlined the government’s plans to bolster the dairy sector, announcing an initiative to set up one dairy processing unit in every two districts across J&K. Highlighting that only 4% of the region’s daily milk production is currently processed, he pointed out the untapped potential in the remaining 96% of raw milk available. “This sector provides raw materials right here; there’s no need for imports or looking beyond our borders,” he said, stressing that processed milk offers much higher value for farmers compared to unprocessed milk.
Addressing challenges, the Chief Minister acknowledged the pressures of a growing population, decreasing agricultural land, and unpredictable weather patterns. He urged the adoption of innovative farming techniques such as organic farming, vertical farming, and polyhouses to ensure sustainable development and self-reliance. He also cautioned against dependence on external sources for essentials like meat, citing concerns over quality and handling.
In a direct message to the new officers, he said, “Your office is not just an office — it’s a field.” He encouraged them to stay connected with ground realities and emphasized that their honest and diligent work in veterinary and horticulture sectors can bring transformative benefits to the people.
Minister for Agriculture Production, Javid Ahmad Dar, also addressed the gathering, noting that nearly 70% of Jammu and Kashmir’s population depends directly or indirectly on agriculture and allied sectors. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting this vital sector and urged farmers to make full use of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and other flagship schemes to boost the rural economy.
Congratulating the newly appointed officers, the Minister called on them to approach their duties with dedication, innovation, and a strong focus on the community. He stressed that collaboration between the government, field officers, and farmers is crucial for achieving sustainable growth, food security, and overall economic prosperity.
The event was also attended by Shailendra Kumar, Principal Secretary of Agriculture Production Department; Prof. Nazir Ganai, Vice-Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir; along with other dignitaries and the families of the new recruits.
