CM Omar Abdullah calls for self-sufficiency in agriculture

August 13, 2025 by News Desk

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called for greater self-reliance in Jammu Kashmir’s agriculture and allied sectors, describing them as the backbone of the region’s economy and a major source of employment.

Speaking at an event at the Shalimar Convention Centre, SKUAST-K, where appointment orders were handed over to newly recruited Veterinary Assistant Surgeons and Horticulture Development Officers, Abdullah said no sector could replace agriculture in its contribution to the state’s GDP.

He stressed there should be no perception of competition between agriculture and tourism, arguing that the most significant employment and growth potential lay in farming and related industries.

Highlighting the government’s focus on dairy, Abdullah announced plans to set up a dairy processing unit in every two districts, noting that only 4% of daily milk production is currently processed. “We have the raw material and don’t need to import or seek markets outside. Processed milk will fetch farmers much better returns,” he said.

The Chief Minister also flagged key challenges, including a growing population, shrinking farmland, and unpredictable weather.

He urged the adoption of modern techniques like organic farming, vertical farming, and polyhouses to ensure sustainable growth. Warning against over-reliance on imports for items such as meat, he raised concerns over quality and safety.

Addressing the newly appointed officers, Abdullah urged them to dedicate themselves fully to their work, emphasising their role in driving agricultural progress in the region.