Agriculture, allied sectors need impetus: Omar

Jammu, Feb 21 (PTI) Asserting that the slogan of ''JaiJawan Jai Kisan'' has remained "lopsided", Jammu and KashmirChief Minister Omar Abdullah today said the need of the houris to give impetus to agriculture in the state.

"The slogan of Jai Jawan Jai Kisan has remained lopsidedso far and the need of the hour is to give impetus to thecomprehensive development of agriculture and agriculturists,"Omar said addressing a gathering of farmers after inaugurationof a ''Kisan Mela'' here.

He said there was a need for infusing new energy in theagriculture sector to make it "lucrative venture" for youngergeneration.

"Despite agriculture being mainstay of the economy ofthe country, befitting endeavours have not been made toprovide strong edifice for growth and development of thissector," the Chief Minister rued.

He said the concerned departments will have to strivefor giving respectability and economic viability to agro-basedactivities.

"We have greater potential of producing cash crops likemushroom, morchella (Guchi), kidney beans, zeera, saffron,apples, stone fruits and best varieties of basmati rice," hesaid.

Referring to the initiatives taken by the UPAgovernment, Omar said the waiving of agriculture loans was apath-breaking step to provide substantial help to the farmingcommunity.

"There are so many new schemes introduced by the centralgovernment to give fillip to agriculture production and helpthe community," he said.

The Chief Minister said that animal rearing, poultryfarming, piece-culture, ape-culture and allied activitiespromise greater economic future for the state.