Stresses
on reducing state’s import dependency
SRINAGAR,
JULY 11: Principal Secretary Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries,
Asghar Hassan Samoon, today held a meeting to discuss various issues related to
the functioning of the departments.
On the
occasion, the Principal Secretary was informed that the department has started
a process to address human resource related issues and in this regard all the
vacant posts of veterinary doctors, para-vets and others would be referred
to SSB and PSC for selection purposes.
While
assuring to look into and to address the genuine demands of employees working
in these departments, Samoon said departmental promotion committee (DPC) would
also be held in near future to promote the deserving employees at an earliest.
Urging
for the need to introduce latest technology in every sector, the Principal Secretary
said introduction of latest techniques in sectors including sheep husbandry,
animal husbandry and poultry would not only help in increasing the local
production, but it would also increase the earnings of people affiliated with
these sectors and address unemployment to a certain degree.
Stressing
on the need for establishing fish colonies and fish villages across the State,
Samoon informed that government is planning to set up two mega fish farms each
in Jammu and Kashmir divisions. He added that the trout farming would be
promoted in the mega fish farm in Kashmir while the farming of carp fish would
be promoted in Jammu division’s mega fish farm. He also called for setting up
fish retail and wholesale outlets across the state.
The
meeting was informed that presently State is importing 4.5 crore one-day- old
chics, along with their feed.
Samoon
said with the departmental budget of 117 crore to be used in current fiscal, a
roadmap needs to be drawn through which while using the budget judiciously State’s
import dependency is also reduced to a large extent.
He said
that the introduction of ‘hybrid cows’ would help in making State
self-sufficient in terms of milk production.
The
meeting was informed that the work is on for establishing of the veterinary
university in the State. Besides, to address the employment issues of
professionals, the Government would work on to bring two schemes Rehbar-e-Pahsu
Palan and Rehaber-Mahigiri.
It was
also revealed that Government is also mulling to establish wool industry in the
state to promote local products and ensure maximum benefits to rearers.
To
ensure that quality vaccines are procured, Samoon directed that before
purchasing of vaccines for livestock a committee of doctors should be
established which will decide about the procurement of medicines especially
vaccines for livestock.
Deliberating
about the need to enhance State’s mutton production, the meeting was informed
that presently State is importing 290 lakh kgs of mutton, while as local
production is 110 lakh kgs only.
The
Principal Secretary stressed for taking adequate steps so that the local
production is increased, saying the State has a good chance to do that as it is
bestowed with excellent natural grazing facilities.
Highlighting
the need to hold frequent awareness camps, Samoon explained through these camps
the unemployed youth could be made aware with various options including sheep
farming, fish farming, poultry farming and other allied sectors they could take
up to earn their livelihood.
He
added that people also need to be made aware regarding the benefits of
centrally-sponsored schemes.
The
meeting was informed that the department provides a herd of 25 sheep to each
individual interested in sheep raring at the subsidized rates, where the
Department will be paying 30 per cent of its price and rest money will be
provided by J&K bank on low interest.
Besides,
the farmers would also be provided with the benefits of insurance and health
benefits for their livestock.
During
the meeting, Samoon also directed to shift the Directorate office of Animal
Husbandry Srinagar to city outskirts at a suitable place.
It was
also decided that two separate “horse farms” would be established at Pahalgam
and Gulmarg. The meeting was told that a 30-Kanal land has already
been identified for setting up a horse farm at Kathua.
Samoon
also stressed on adopting the latest techniques at Semen Frozen laboratory
Ranbirbagh. Besides he also directed for the opening of clinics for pet animals
at the district level.
Among others, Director Animal Husbandry Kashmir Mohammad Yusuf Chaproo,
Director Fisheries R N Pandita, Director Sheep Husbandry Mohammad Shareef,
Officers from Finance, Planning, Agriculture Production and other
allied-departments were present in the meeting.
