Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Emphasizes Technology and Organic Solutions at GONGUL Festival
During the inauguration of the annual GONGUL festival at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) in Srinagar, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah highlighted the importance of technology-driven and organic solutions in strengthening the rural economy.
CM Omar expressed the government’s commitment to prioritizing the rural economy by focusing on key sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, livestock, fisheries, floriculture, and dairy. He mentioned the recent budget’s special emphasis on these areas.
Abdullah commended institutions like SKUAST Jammu and SKUAST Kashmir for assisting farmers in adopting modern, technology-driven, and organic practices to enhance production, productivity, and quality. These initiatives are aimed at directly benefiting rural livelihoods.
Speaking about the significance of the GONGUL festival, now in its 11th edition, Abdullah highlighted its role in providing farmers and visitors with exposure to new agricultural technologies and innovations. He stressed the importance of improving local production and quality to remain competitive, particularly in horticulture products like fruits, walnuts, and almonds.
Expressing his concerns about duty-free imports impacting local growers, Abdullah cited the challenges faced when high-quality foreign produce enters the market at lower prices. He mentioned the positive impact of advancements like Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage facilities in helping local farmers deliver better-quality produce and enhance market competitiveness.
The Chief Minister also lauded the innovation showcased by young participants at the festival, highlighting student-led technological solutions for farming and irrigation. He underscored the crucial role of universities in driving agricultural innovation.
Overall, the GONGUL festival serves as a platform for fostering agricultural advancements, promoting sustainable practices, and enhancing the rural economy through technology-driven solutions. The government’s focus on strengthening key sectors and supporting local farmers reflects a commitment to sustainable growth and development in Jammu and Kashmir.
