The Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to strengthen agriculture, tourism, horticulture and handicrafts in the state and empower people by making them self-sufficient, chief minister Omar Abdullah has said.
"The honour and dignity of the people depends on their economic independence which can be only achieved if the population is self-reliant. The government is working tirelessly to strengthen the economy of the state," he said.
Omar was addressing the largest ever 'Kissan Mela' yesterday in Baramulla, 52km from Srinagar.
He said the state government has given special focus to agriculture, horticulture, handicrafts and tourism as they are the mainstay of Kashmir's economy.
The chief minister emphasised the need to blend modern agricultural technology with conventional methods and called for a comprehensive policy to make agriculture an economic hub, especially for the educated youth.
"The vast potential of economic activities in agriculture and allied sectors has to be scientifically harnessed and young persons persuaded to take up profitable ventures in this field," he said.
Under the Krishi Kissan Yojna, about Rs122 crore were being spent this year on the agriculture sector against Rs40 crore last year, Omar said.
Rs50 crore has been spent on popularizing new technology as against Rs17 crores last year, he added.
Omar said it was important to build buffer fertilizer stocks and underscored the significance of hybrid and improved varieties of seeds.
On the National Saffron Mission launched with the Centre's assistance, Omar said the Rs376 crore project was aimed at restoring the pristine glory of 'Kashmir Saffron' and make it a reputed brand in the international market competing with Iran and Spain.
On the production and marketing of fruit, he said it was highly encouraging that despite climatic vagaries, the state's horticulture produce this year registered remarkable increase.
The hindrance in the transportation of fruit at the inception of the marketing season due to the law and order situation was tackled by the government successfully, ensuring its smooth export, he said.
"I am personally monitoring the transshipment process, receiving daily reports about the dispatches to different terminal markets," Omar said.
The chief minister said that efforts are required to restore Kashmir silk and give new dimension to sericulture in the state.
