Jammu: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir intends to promote pro-farmer agricultural programmes to ensure higher returns.

Addressing the XXI meeting of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Regional Committee at SKAUST, Chattha, Jammu, State Agriculture Minister Ghulam Hussain Mir called for pro-farmer and technologically advanced policies and programmes for higher returns and better employment opportunities in agriculture.

He emphasised the need of raising coordination level among ICAR institutes, agricultural universities, extension departments, and the farmers.

Hussain described the regional meeting as a step forward in transforming agricultural scenario in the state.

Expressing concern over damage to agriculture production due to frequent natural calamites viz incessant rains, hail storms, snowfall, Hussain asked scientists and others working in the field of agriculture and allied sectors to come up with remedial measures and develop new technologies to cope up with this grave problem.

He said the government will endeavour its best to make agriculture as the most profitable activity in J and K as the State is blessed with this potential in abundance.

The minister also informed that numerous reformative steps have been introduced to promote agriculture sector in the state, and as a result, the state has recorded a 45 per cent increase in pulse production, and an 84 per cent increase in fruit production in the last three years.

Rural Development Minister Sagar asked the scientists to launch a massive research program in the field of agro-industry to promote and preserve the rich green wealth of the state.

He said it could be of great significance to generate employment opportunities for State’s youth as more than 60 per cent of J and K’s population is connected with agriculture sector.

The meet was attended by Minister for Rural Development Ali Mohammad Sagar, Minister for Horticulture and Health Sham Lal Sharma, Minister for Animal and Sheep Husbandry Aga Syed Ruhullah, Minister of State for Agriculture Javed Ahmed Dar, Director General, ICAR, Dr. S Ayyappan, VC SKUAST, Dr. B Mishra, Dy. Director General, Dr. H.P Singh and various experts from Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir.