Srinagar, Apr 14 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday inaugurated a spring festival on the occasion of Baisakhi, at Jablipora in Anantnag district.
The chief minister described spring as a symbol of renewal and hope, stating that the festival represents not just a seasonal transition but also a new phase of development and governance in Jammu and Kashmir.
“We always celebrate the arrival of spring because spring is a new beginning for us. These spring celebrations are not only to celebrate the beginning of this year’s spring, but also to remind people that after the arrival of our government, there was not only an effort, but a path was made. There is a new spring, a new beginning,” Abdullah said while addressing the gathering.
Highlighting recent policy initiatives, Abdullah referred to key decisions taken during the recent budget session, including the provision of free six LPG cylinders to poor households and free electricity under the Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
He also emphasised the decision to allow the establishment of private universities in Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at expanding access to quality higher education within Jammu and Kashmir.
“Our children are struggling. In other states, to get admission in private universities, their expenses also increase, and they have to face difficulties from time to time. We have now opened the doors for those private universities to come to J-K. Now, we will go to different states and invite these universities to come here to establish their campuses in remote areas,” Abdullah said.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to strengthening rural livelihoods, the chief minister noted that efforts are underway to boost farmers’ incomes and build a sustainable, self-reliant agriculture sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
The chief minister highlighted a series of transformative and forward-looking initiatives undertaken by his government in the agriculture and allied sectors, describing them as pivotal to reshaping the rural economy of Jammu and Kashmir.
He underscored that these interventions are not only aimed at enhancing productivity and farmers’ income but also at promoting sustainability, diversification, and value addition.
The chief minister said that several ambitious programmes are in the pipeline, including the expansion of high-density plantations, strengthening of cold storage and marketing infrastructure, and greater integration of technology in farming practices.
“Our vision is to build a resilient and self-reliant agricultural economy that empowers farmers and contributes significantly to the overall economic growth of J-K,” he added.
Referring to the immense potential of south Kashmir, Abdullah noted that the region is richly endowed with fertile land and a favourable climate, making it ideal for both agriculture and tourism.
He said that South Kashmir offers a unique blend of natural beauty and agricultural diversity, which can be leveraged to promote agro-tourism.
Abdullah asserted that such initiatives can create new livelihood opportunities for local communities while simultaneously showcasing the region’s rich agrarian heritage to the world. PTI MIJ MPL MPL
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