Bandipora , Nov 16 (KNS) : Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Election Departments, Javid Ahmad Dar today laid the foundation stone of District Veterinary Hospital Bandipora.

MLA Bandipora, Nizam-ud-din Bhat; MLA Sonawari, Advocate Hilal Akbar Lone; MLA Gurez, Nazir Ahmad Khan; Vice Chairperson DDC Bandipora, Kousar Shafeeq; Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Indu Kawal Chib; Director Animal Husbandry Kashmir, Mohammad Younis Sheikh; officers from Agriculture, Sheep Husbandry, Horticulture and other allied sectors, large number of locals were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister said that the ?3.5 crore veterinary hospital project, along with ?50 lakh for equipment, will significantly strengthen veterinary healthcare and animal welfare services in Bandipora. He appreciated the dedication of departmental officers, noting that holding the programme on a Sunday reflects the administration’s commitment to public service.

Highlighting the vital role of the animal and allied sectors in strengthening the rural economy, the Minister said that livestock remains a major source of income, employment and economic resilience for rural households. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to bridging infrastructural gaps and upgrading facilities across the district.

He informed that the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) comprises 29 major projects aimed at sustainable growth in agriculture and allied sectors.

The Minister further underlined the long-awaited revival of brown trout development and urged the administration to effectively implement Mission YUVA, with special focus on skill-building and transforming youth into job providers. He added that awareness about schemes is crucial to achieving desired results.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA Bandipora Nizam-ud-din Bhat congratulated the public and the department, noting that the project will stimulate economic activity, generate employment and strengthen veterinary services in the district.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHe stressed the need for a boundary wall, pasture space, additional staff, laboratory modernisation, sheep extension centres and a transit camp for migrating shepherds.

MLA Gurez Nazir Ahmad Khan appreciated the visionary approach of Sheikh Abdullah and the transformative potential of strengthening the animal husbandry sector. He called for more local veterinary centres, subsidised medicines under the 10:90 ratio, awareness camps in digitally underserved regions, additional centres in remote areas, and mobilisation of veterinary doctors with ambulance facilities. He noted that entrepreneurship in the animal and allied sectors is rapidly growing and joint efforts will further improve service delivery.

MLA Sonawari Advocate Hilal Akbar Lone highlighted that livestock populations are particularly high in Sonawari and emphasised the need for a Sub-District Veterinary Hospital in Sumbal or Hajin. He said the development of livestock-based livelihoods is key to accelerating rural economic growth.

Earlier, the Minister interacted with officers and frontline staff and reviewed the infrastructure blueprint of the upcoming hospital. He assured full government support in meeting developmental requirements as they arise.

The Minister, along with MLAs, inspected stalls set up by the Animal Husbandry Department, reviewing ongoing programmes, initiatives and services offered to livestock farmers. He interacted with field staff and beneficiaries and appreciated the department for showcasing key interventions, awareness material and schemes aimed at strengthening the sector.

On the occasion, the Minister also distributed sanction letters among beneficiaries under various components of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP). He also handed over cheques to eligible beneficiaries, enabling them to further strengthen their livestock and allied activities.(KNS)