SRINAGAR: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Saturday announced that Jammu is set to begin manufacturing medicinal and anti-cancer drugs.
Dr Singh, Member of Parliament from Udhampur-Kathua-Doda Lok Sabha constituency, convened a constituency-level meeting via video conferencing to finalise a month-long series of activities marking 11 years of the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He also announced a cannabis cultivation initiative in collaboration with IIIM Jammu and private partners to support the production of medicinal and cancer treatment drugs in the region.
Dr Singh said Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have been empowered to create employment and income opportunities. He also highlighted the development of an AI-based agricultural decision-making system for Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at transforming farming practices.
As part of the Gram Krishi Seva Yojana, four Agromet Observatories have been commissioned in Ladakh, Srinagar, and Jammu. In addition, four district-level Agromet units have been set up in Kupwara, Baramulla, Kathua, and Reasi, supported by SKUAST.
Outlining the schedule for the month-long celebrations, Dr Singh said planned activities include public exhibitions, media briefings, professional meetings, and grassroots-level outreach. These initiatives aim to highlight the government’s achievements and encourage public participation in the vision of a “Viksit Bharat.”
Dr Singh urged officials to ensure the “Viksit Bharat Krishi Sankalp Abhiyaan” reaches every district and mandal. He also called for 100% saturation of flagship schemes such as Ayushman Bharat. “No eligible beneficiary should remain unregistered. Every citizen should benefit from the Modi Government’s schemes,” he said.
Highlighting developments in science-led agriculture, Dr Singh referred to the operational status of the Biotech Industrial Park in Kathua, now integrated with Biotech Kisan Clusters to support innovation and farmer-scientist collaboration.
He noted that the “Purple Revolution,” marked by lavender cultivation in Bhaderwah in partnership with IIIM Jammu, has expanded to neighbouring states including Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. This has allowed young agri-entrepreneurs to earn income through sales in premium perfume markets.
Dr Singh also mentioned a project by the Department of Atomic Energy and DBT aimed at improving crop shelf life and productivity. He said that due to this initiative, Kashmiri apples are now grown in Jammu alongside mangoes.
On national identity and history, Dr Singh said the 50th anniversary of the Emergency should be observed on June 26 as a “Black Day” to reaffirm the importance of democracy and civil liberties.
Ahead of World Environment Day on June 5, he called for renewed participation in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign and encouraged citizens to take part with commitment.
He also advocated for large-scale observance of International Yoga Day on June 21, especially at major tourist sites, to reflect India’s role in global wellness.
Dr Singh commended the Tiranga Yatra and linked it with the success of “Operation Sindoor,” calling for its continued celebration as a symbol of national pride.
He is also scheduled to launch a two-day Lavender Festival on June 1 in Bhaderwah. Under the Floriculture Mission in Jammu and Kashmir, more than 385 hectares have been brought under cultivation, benefiting over 3,000 farmers. Notable outcomes include genetically engineered roses capable of blooming in various colours and seasons, and the expansion of tulip cultivation from Palampur to Ayodhya, even during off-season periods. (KNO)
