Kulgam, Oct 24: Terming agriculture as the backbone of Kashmir economy, CPI (M) General Secretary and legislator M Y Tarigami, Sunday urged the government to treat it as thrust area and take concrete steps for its improvement.
 “The progress and prosperity of any state is dependent upon the growth of agriculture and its allied sectors like horticulture, poultry, fisheries and animal husbandry. But despite it, the state government has turned a blind eye towards this sector,” Tarigami said while addressing farmers at a Field Cum Exhibition program organized by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) SK University of Science and Technology (SKAUST), Islamabad (Anantnag).
 The programme was held in collaboration with Directorate of Extension Education SKAUST (K), Shalimar at  KVK, Pombay, Kulgam.
 Tarigami said the government should make agriculture and its allied sectors as thrust area and take concrete steps to improve it so that the youth rather than relying on government jobs become self-reliant.
 “The farmers should equip themselves with latest technology and knowledge in order to increase the production and productivity and bring improvement in crop variety,” Tarigami said.
 While urging the farmers to grow those varieties of different crops which will compete and fetch good returns in the market, Tarigami said, “A coordinated effort on research front between farmers and scientists from SKAUST is important for the growth of agriculture and for that awareness needs to be spread which should reach each and every home of a farmer.”
 Tarigami hoped that KVK, Pombay, Kulgam will prove beneficial to the farmers in the long run and make the youth economically self-reliant.
 Vice Chancellor, SKAUST (K), Dr Tej Pratap Singh assured the farmers of their full assistance in imparting training in order to equip them with latest technology so that the required challenges are met.
 Others who spoke on the occasion included Professor Kamili and Dr. Farooq.
 Earlier, the scientists and faculty of SKAUST held an interactive session with the farmers.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 24 Oct 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
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