REASI, MARCH 27: Minister of State for Animal & Sheep Husbandry, Cooperative and Fisheries, Mir Zahoor Ahmad today emphasized on the need to encourage shift towards use of latest technologies in farming especially livestock farming to increase the farm’s productivity, thereby the socio-economic conditions of the community.
The Minister was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the Ram and Buck show, awareness camp organized by Sheep Husbandry Department at Talwara, Reasi today.
The camp was organized under centrally sponsored scheme National Livestock Mission (NLM) for sheep and goat breeders of the area. During the event, farmers were introduced to high breed male animals, best animals for wool and mutton, Beetal goat for milk, besides being educated on ways to increase productivity in their farms. A large number of people associated with livestock farming participated in the event.
The Minister said that development of agriculture, animal, sheep husbandry and allied fields is being prioritized by the present government headed by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and sufficient funds have been earmarked for development of these sectors during the financial year 2018-2019.
He said that there is a huge potential for rearing of livestock in the state adding that the government is making targeted effort to boost the sheep sector which will help in increasing the socio-economic conditions of the farmers.
The Minister said that consistent efforts are also being made to provide technical expertise to farmers and progressive breeders through various channels of communication and said that organizing of Ram and Buck show in rural areas of the State is one such mode to educate the farmers.
He directed the concerned to organize similar camps in other parts of the State, adding that such shows are encouraging the farmers to rear livestock on modern scientific lines to get better returns.
Mir Zahoor also directed the concerned officers to conduct frequent field visits in every area and ensure that vaccinations and other treatments are being given to livestock in a timely manner to prevent them from various diseases.
Director Sheep Husbandry Jammu, Dr Sajeev Kumar also addressed the gathering and highlighted the achievements of the Department. He said that the Department has already organized similar camp at Solki in district Rajouri and another is scheduled to be held in Hiranagar soon. He said an amount of Rs 5 lakh has been projected under Capex Budget for purchase of best Rams during the next financial year.
Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Reasi, Scientists from KVK and other officers from Sheep Husbandry and other Departments were present on the occasion.
On the occasion, Mir Zahoor also distributed an amount of Rs 80,000 among 10 categories as an incentive for choosing livestock farming as a profession. The best farmers were selected by a committee of experts on the spot and adjudged 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize winners besides best Rams and Bucks were also given special prize.
The progressive farmers who participated in the show also projected their various demands including providing better marketing facilities for sale of wool and opening of more sheep extension centres in remote areas.
The Minister gave them patient hearing and assured them that their genuine demands will be looked into.
