Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 27: “In a notable effort to reshape the agricultural landscape of J&K, significant projects worth 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 made this announcement during a meeting today that featured Secretary APD Shailendra Kumar and other senior officials.
He emphasized that the endorsement of these major projects under Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and CADWM marks a pivotal advancement towards sustainable agricultural progress and rural development. Furthermore, he stated that these essential projects will not only enhance agricultural infrastructure and irrigation efficiency but will also promote a sustainable agricultural ecosystem throughout Jammu and Kashmir.
Among the key projects sanctioned under NABARD were 12 Animal Husbandry initiatives, which include the construction and upgrading of eleven veterinary hospitals and one training institute, with a funded budget of Rs. 4067.04 lakh.
These initiatives encompass the establishment of District Veterinary hospitals in Bandipora, Ganderbal, and Anantnag, along with the upgrading of District Veterinary Hospitals in Kishtwar, Bhaderwah, Samba, Kathua, Gujjar Colony Jammu, Kalakote, Pargwal, and various other districts.
Additionally, the construction of a Para-Vet Training development facility in Shalteng, Srinagar, is also among the noteworthy projects approved within the Animal Husbandry Sector.
The Minister added that the development of further infrastructure, which includes 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), has been green-lighted with an investment of Rs. 3051.65 lakh in the Agriculture sector.
To bolster infrastructure development in Command Area Development & Water Management (CADWM), 14 CAD projects have been authorized with a budget of Rs. 4639.31 lakh across various districts, concentrating on irrigation and the rehabilitation of field channels. These projects feature tapping into perennial natural water sources in Udhampur, constructing field channels in Kathua, Baramulla, and others, along with the upgrade of existing irrigation systems in Kulgam, Pulwama, and Srinagar.
Javed Dar underlined that these projects intend to enhance rural infrastructure, improve irrigation efficiency, and provide modern facilities for farmers in training, veterinary care, and resource management. He instructed the concerned personnel to ensure the timely execution and completion of these projects for public benefit as soon as possible.
Previously, Secretary APD, Shailendra Kumar, remarked that the authorization and sanctioning of these significant projects will boost agricultural productivity, improve irrigation resources, and empower the farming community. He also indicated that these projects are crucial and will play a significant role in optimizing resource utilization across the agricultural and allied sectors.
