Revolutionary reforms being taken to boost economic conditions of Tribal communities: Govt
SRINAGAR: The J&K government on Tuesday said that revolutionary reforms and welfare measures were being taken for improving the living standards of the members of the tribal community.
The government said that it was working to increase livestock productivity and production in a sustainable manner for all the tribal families with focus on untapped potential for the export and value added products.
“All the efforts are being given to boost the economic conditions of tribal people,” the official spokesman said.
The Government is also planning to bring out a social security scheme for sheep breeders with a provision of insurance cover to the livestock.
“The Government is also preparing a comprehensive policy for health cards and monitoring of health for disease prevention and control measures for livestock,” he said.
As per the official data, High genetic potential breeds of sheep, exotic breeds for crossbreeding, marketing facilities and preventive mechanisms of endemic disease will form the core objectives of the policy.
Many reforms have been introduced by the government for modernization and promotion of the sheep farming sector and strengthening of commercial activities and output of the sector which provides the means of livelihood to about 12 lakh families in the UT. Notably, Jammu & Kashmir holds the distinction of having the highest per capita consumption of sheep/goat meat in the country. The huge demand of sheep/goat meat is more of an opportunity than a challenge as it offers huge scope for the sheep and goat farmers.
The J&K government is building 1000 sheds for livestock of the tribal community and the Tribal Affairs Department will extend the financial assistance of Rs One lakh each to 1500 Self Help Groups for Wool Shearing Machines and skilling.
Also 50 Self Help Groups will receive Rs 3.00 Lakh each for GenSet and solar power based shearing machines for Dhoks.
The government has partnered with New Zealand to develop a model sheep farming system through better breeding practices, technology transfer, doubling wool and meat production, marketing, capacity building and ensuring additional income for sheep breeders.
J&K has attained the privilege of having the finest breeds of sheep in the country and holds 50 percent of the cross bred population of the country in the UT besides being the second largest producers of wool in the country and number one in terms of quality of wool produced.
The government is working on viable solutions to push this sector to newer heights and plug all loopholes to make this sector more vibrant, profitable, market driven, employable and sustainable.
The J&K government has initiated transport facilities for migratory tribal families traditionally undertaking migration along the National Highway and Mughal Road.
“Government has deployed a sufficient number of trucks and Light Commercial Vehicles for their smooth movement.”
Free of cost transportation facility is being provided from September 25 to October 25 of 2022 and vehicles have been placed at the disposal of concerned Deputy Commissioners and two transit accommodations have also been set up to be used as halting points.
KV News
