JAMMU, Dec 27: “In a pivotal initiative aimed at transforming the agricultural landscape of J&K, substantial projects totaling Rs 117.58 crore have been approved for the development of agricultural infrastructure in the Union Territory,” announced Javed Ahmad Dar, Minister of Agriculture Production, Rural Development, and Panchayati Raj Departments.
The Minister conveyed this during a meeting held today that included Secretary APD, Shailendra Kumar, and other high-ranking officials.
He emphasized that the authorization of these crucial projects under Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and CADWM represents a significant advancement toward sustainable agricultural development and rural prosperity. These projects are designed to not only bolster agricultural infrastructure and enhance irrigation efficiency but also to foster a sustainable agricultural ecosystem throughout Jammu and Kashmir.
Notably, among the key projects approved under NABARD are 12 projects in Animal Husbandry, which encompass the construction and upgrading of eleven veterinary hospitals and a training institute, with a total budget of Rs. 4067.04 lakh. The initiative includes establishing District Veterinary Hospitals in Bandipora, Ganderbal, and Anantnag, alongside upgrading facilities in Kishtwar, Bhaderwah, Samba, Kathua, Gujjar Colony Jammu, Kalakote, Pargwal, and other districts.
Additionally, the construction of a Para-Vet Training Development Center in Shalteng, Srinagar, is among the primary projects approved in the Animal Husbandry sector.
The Minister also mentioned the approval of additional infrastructural developments, including modern hostels at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu (SKUAST-J), and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir (SKUAST-K), with a sanctioned amount of Rs. 3051.65 lakh in the Agriculture sector.
To advance infrastructure in Command Area Development & Water Management (CADWM), 14 CAD projects have been sanctioned at a cost of Rs. 4639.31 lakh across various districts, concentrating on irrigation and the revitalization of field channels. These projects include harnessing perennial natural water sources in Udhampur and constructing field channels in Kathua, Baramulla, and several other districts, along with rehabilitating existing irrigation systems in Kulgam, Pulwama, and Srinagar.
Javed Dar emphasized that these projects are intended to enhance rural infrastructure, increase irrigation efficiency, and provide farmers with modern facilities for training, veterinary care, and resource management. He instructed those involved to ensure prompt execution and completion of the projects, dedicating them to the public as soon as possible.
“These initiatives reinforce our steadfast commitment to the growth and development of agriculture and allied sectors in Jammu & Kashmir. Our goal is to empower farmers with optimal facilities and establish a sustainable agricultural ecosystem for future generations,” stated the Minister.
Previously, Secretary APD, Shailendra Kumar, articulated that the approval and sanctioning of these significant projects will augment agricultural productivity, enhance irrigation supply, and empower the farming community. He noted that these projects are critically important and will play a key role in optimizing resource utilization across agricultural and allied sectors.
