J&K CM asks Centre to declare J&K medi-plants producing zone

February 09 – Asking the Centre to declare Jammu and Kashmir medicinal plants producing zone, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah in his meeting with Union Minister for Commerce and Power, Jairam Ramesh in New Delhi on Monday highlighted the vast potential of the State for producing plants of medicinal value and spices.

           Omar Abdullah today called on Union Minister here and discussed issues pertaining to horticulture, commerce, handicrafts and power sectors with him.

            The Chief Minister sought central projects for the development of Pashmina, Kani-shawls and sozni works. He said handicraft sector promises greater employment and economic opportunity in Jammu and Kashmir adding that the State is known for high class handicrafts International standard.

           Omar Abdullah emphasized the need for encouraging artisans, and crafts persons by way of skill development and innovative designs especially in Carpet Weaving, Sozankari, Shawlbafi, Basholi Crafts, etc. He discussed completion of Craft Development Institute coming up at Pampore, Kashmir with the central assistance.

            The Chief Minister called for liberal central assistance for the development of Saffron and spices in the State and said that State especially Kashmir and Kishtwar are ideally suitable for cultivation of Saffron. He asked for central projects for the development of these economically viable cash crops.

            The Chief Minister said that horticulture industry is a sheet anchor for the State’s rural economy and emphasized central assistance for enhancing the productivity and production of horticulture produce in the State. He also asked for central projects for apple and walnut development.

           Omar discussed issues relating to completion of various power projects under implementation in Jammu and Kashmir in the central sector and stressed on accelerating the pace of work on these projects. He discussed issues relating to the Pukaldul, Kishen Ganga, Sawalakote and other hydel power projects with the Union Minister and said that power being the nerve centre for all the economic activities especially in the field of industries and commerce, should receive top priority of the Central Government. He also discussed issues regarding the thermal energy development projects in Ladakh region.

           Abdullah also discussed issues relating to the development of leather industry in the State and said that possibilities for the growth and development of this industry need to be explored to create job avenues for the unemployed youth.  

. Jairam Ramesh assured the Chief Minister all possible help and assistance from the Centre for the economic development of Jammu and Kashmir .