Jammu, Aug 26: Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar on Wednesday said the livestock sector has significant potential to create sustainable livelihood opportunities in rural areas, calling for concerted efforts to strengthen it through modern interventions, capacity building and effective implementation of government schemes.
The Minister who was on a tour in Reasi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for a number of development projects aimed to strengthen the rural infrastructure, Panchayati Raj institutions and livestock-related services.
The Minister inaugurated the Block Development Council (BDC) Office Building at Katra-Hutt Block, constructed at a cost of ₹128.56 lakh under UT Capex for infrastructure of DDCs.
Addressing the gathering at Katra, Javid Dar said that strengthening the basic infrastructure in rural areas remains a key priority of the government. Planned focus is being ensured that the essential public services and development facilities are made available to people closer to their homes.
He said that the government is committed to inclusive, balanced and people-centric development, particularly in rural areas. He stressed that public infrastructure must translate into tangible benefits for the common people.
The Minister laid the foundation stones for the District Veterinary Hospital at Reasi and the District Development Council (DDC) Office Building at Reasi.
Speaking on the occasion, Javid Dar said projects will play an important role in strengthening the veterinary and rural development services, besides supporting the farming community and consolidating the Panchayati Raj system in the district.
He assured that the genuine demands and concerns projected by the elected representatives would be examined and addressed on priority. He emphasized that effective coordination between the elected representatives, administration and line departments is essential for accelerating the development process.
“Working for the welfare of the people is our collective responsibility. Every elected representative and every officer has an important role to play in ensuring that development reaches the last mile,” the Minister said.
Javid Dar also called upon the concerned departments to intensify awareness among the farmers and livestock owners about various government schemes and welfare programmes.
He directed the officers to organize tehsil-level awareness camps regularly so that the eligible beneficiaries are adequately informed and maximum farmers can avail themselves of the benefits of livestock development schemes.
The Minister stressed the need for a proactive field-oriented approach by the departments, particularly in rural and remote areas, to bridge the information gap and ensure effective implementation of welfare and development programmes.
Earlier, the Minister visited the Sheep Breeder Farm at Panthyal, where he inspected the farm’s infrastructure, facilities and breeder stock. He took a detailed review of the functioning of the farm and the measures being undertaken for strengthening the sheep breeding activities.
The Director Sheep Husbandry Jammu briefed the Minister about the initiatives being undertaken by the department for development of breeder stock, improvement of breeding practices and strengthening of the sheep sector.
The Minister directed the department to maintain sustained focus on scientific breeding practices, improvement of livestock productivity, strengthening of departmental infrastructure and extending technical support to sheep breeders and farmers.
He emphasized that the livestock sector has significant potential to generate sustainable livelihood opportunities in rural areas. He called for concerted efforts to further strengthen the sector through modern interventions, capacity building and effective implementation of government schemes.
