Jammu, Apr 15: Chief Minister,   Omar Abdullah Thursday underscored the need for a coordinated approach to catapult agriculture production and give considerable fillip to state’s economy.
 “Government has already initiated measures to encourage modern farm practices and help boost per unit productivity and production”, he said adding that waiving of VAT on agricultural inputs is a significant step in this direction.
 Speaking to a deputation of Jammu and Kashmir Lumbardar Association who called on him here, the Chief Minister said that personnel associated with agriculture and allied activities at grass roots have an important role in creating awareness about development schemes aimed at ameliorating the lot of farm community and rural population.
 Omar said that Jammu and Kashmir offers rich potential for agro based activities adding that animal and sheep rearing along with horticulture and floriculture practices are highly viable economic ventures. “These sectors embed lot of promise for young people”, he said and laid stress for proper and effective harnessing of the vast opportunities agriculture and allied sectors provide to youth. “You can play an important role in encouraging young people to make agriculture activities their profitable ventures”, he told Lumbardars.
 The Chief Minister said that self-reliance in food production is imperative to provide strong edifice to the state’s economy and seek all round development. “Our strategy is to lessen the dependence on import of food items by increasing their indigenous production”, he said and highlighted the role of agricultural experts, panchayats, Lumbardars, Chowkidars and others associated with farming activities in this direction. The Lumbardar Association presented a memorandum of various demands to the Chief Minister.
 The Advisors to the Chief Minister,   Mubarak Gul and   Devender Singh Rana and Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister,   Khurshid Ahmed Ganai were also present on the occasion.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 15 Apr 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 15 Apr 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 16 Apr 2010 00:00:00 IST