In a significant step towards revolutionizing agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Territory has received approval for projects worth ₹117.58 crore aimed at enhancing agricultural infrastructure and sustainability. The announcement was made by Minister of Agriculture Production, Rural Development, and Panchayati Raj Departments, Javed Ahmad Dar, during a high-level meeting held today.
The meeting was attended by Secretary APD Shailendra Kumar and other senior officers. The Minister emphasized that these landmark projects will boost agricultural infrastructure, improve irrigation efficiency, and ensure a sustainable agricultural ecosystem across the Union Territory.
Key Projects Approved Under NABARD
- Animal Husbandry Projects:
- 12 Projects have been approved with a sanctioned budget of ₹4067.04 lakh.
- Construction and upgradation of 11 veterinary hospitals and 1 training institute.
- Key developments include:
- Construction of District Veterinary Hospitals at Bandipora, Ganderbal, and Anantnag.
- Upgradation of veterinary hospitals in Kishtwar, Bhaderwah, Samba, Kathua, Gujjar Colony Jammu, Kalakote, Pargwal, and other districts.
- Establishment of a Para-Vet Training Development Centre at Shalteng, Srinagar.
Modern Infrastructure for Agricultural Universities
- State-of-the-art hostels at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-Jammu and SKUAST-Kashmir) have been sanctioned at a cost of ₹3051.65 lakh.
Focus on Irrigation and Water Management
- 14 Command Area Development & Water Management (CADWM) projects approved with a budget of ₹4639.31 lakh.
- Key initiatives include:
- Tapping perennial natural water sources in Udhampur.
- Construction of field channels in Kathua, Baramulla, and other districts.
- Rehabilitation of existing irrigation systems in Kulgam, Pulwama, and Srinagar.
- Key initiatives include:
Enhancing Rural Prosperity
Minister Javed Dar highlighted that these projects will:
- Improve rural infrastructure.
- Enhance irrigation efficiency.
- Provide modern training facilities, veterinary care, and resource management for farmers.
He directed officials to ensure timely execution and completion of these projects to dedicate them to the public at the earliest.
Empowering Farmers and Optimizing Resources
Secretary APD Shailendra Kumar remarked that the approval of these projects marks a significant milestone for agricultural development in J&K. He stated that these initiatives will:
- Boost agricultural productivity.
- Improve irrigation supply.
- Empower the farming community by optimizing the utilization of resources across agricultural and allied sectors.
These transformative projects are expected to usher in a new era of growth and prosperity for the agricultural community in Jammu and Kashmir.
