KL Report
SRINAGAR
Stressing on the need of utilizing science, technology and innovations for the benefit of common man, the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Friday identified agriculture, horticulture and bio-mass energy generation as the areas in Jammu and Kashmir requiring intervention of science for inclusive and comprehensive growth.
“In Jammu and Kashmir about 70% population is rural and agriculture is their mainstay. Horticulture and related activities are also of pivotal importance in the State’s economy”, he said, adding that the intervention of scientific innovations and technological advancement in these fields are imperative for overall development and growth of the State. “I would like that the researches in the labs should smoothly transfer to the people and scientific innovations are utilized for the amelioration of common people”, he said.
Addressing the valedictory function of 101st Indian Science Congress in Jammu University here this afternoon chaired by the Vice President of India, M Hamid Ansari and attended by J&K Governor, N. N. Vohra, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Dr. Farooq Abdullah and other dignitaries, Omar Abdullah said that Jammu and Kashmir has greater scope of generating energy from the abundantly available bio-mass in the shape of weeds in Dal and other lakes.
“My endeavor is to invite scientific intervention in converting these weeds into the energy for the economic welfare of the State and the people. In this regard I have taken up this issue with various scientists and technological institutions”, he said and asked the Indian Science Congress to venture in this field and provide a feasible mechanism to the State to achieve the cherished goal in this regard.
The Chief Minister also sought scientific intervention in the inclusive development and management of agricultural and horticultural practices in high altitudes areas like Leh and Kargil. He said that most of the Kandi areas in the State are rain fed and require technological support to undertake agricultural activities that would enable the farmers to earn remunerative income and help significant increase in productivity and production. He said this avenue is also open to the scientists for research.
