Shopian: Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan today visited District Shopian under Third Phase of the Public Outreach Programme of Central Government in order to assess the ground level development scenario and to listen to grievances and public demands.
While taking review of the district development profile, the Minister stressed upon officers to promote entrepreneurship ventures in Fisheries, Animal and Sheep Husbandry so that more employment opportunities are provided to the unemployed.
The minister also laid e-foundation of 3 road Projects namely Shirmal- Balpora- Tengwani Road, Hajipora –Arkhara Road, Gurinard Chanchmarg Road, to be constructed at an estimated cost of 1186.30 lakhs.
The minister also reviewed work under animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries Sector with special emphasis on Central sponsored Schemes like IDDS and IPDP.
He listened to the demands and issues of related to the sector and was apprised by the respective officers about the need for establishment of Wool Processing Units, Constitution of Wool Board.
They also flagged issue of low rates of Wool and need for MSP for the product, Insurance for Fish Crop, Adequate vaccination for LSD among others.
Dr. Sanjeev also interacted with DDC, BDC members, MC Counsellors and Other PRI members and listened to issues and demands put forward for consideration and appropriate action from the Visiting Dignitary.
MoS appealed PRI members to involve more and more people in Sheep, Goat, Fisheries Farming besides emphasizing for formation of FPOs in the Animal Husbandry sector for taking farming to next level, necessitating better productivity and production.
He also stressed for venturing into Silage making to make nutritious fodder available during winters to tide over the productivity depreciation of milk in winters.
While interacting with the PRI members, he assured that Ministry shall conduct exposure visits of farmers, PRI members to acquaint them with employment oriented schemes and good practices being followed and also assured redressal of other issues put forth before him.
Afterwards, MoS visited Fruit Mandi Aglar and met Fruit Growers, Traders and Transporters. Enroute, he visited Poultry Project Animal Husbandry Department, Shirmal, Milk Chilling Plant, Shopian and inspected stalls of AH, Fisheries and SH showcasing products.