Sajid Raina

Srinagar, Feb 14 (KNO): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said technology-driven and organic solutions would play a key role in strengthening the rural economy, as he inaugurated the annual GONGUL festival at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Srinagar.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Omar, per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the government is prioritising the rural economy by strengthening sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, livestock, fisheries, floriculture, and dairy. He noted that special emphasis has been laid on these areas in the recent budget.

The Chief Minister said institutions like SKUAST Jammu and SKUAST Kashmir are helping farmers adopt modern, technology-driven and organic practices to improve production, productivity, and quality. These initiatives, he said, would directly benefit rural livelihoods.

Highlighting the importance of the GONGUL festival, now in its 11th edition, Abdullah said it provides farmers and visitors exposure to new agricultural technologies and innovations. He stressed the need to enhance local production and quality to remain competitive, particularly in horticulture products such as fruits, walnuts, and almonds.

Expressing concern over duty-free imports, Abdullah said local growers face losses when cheaper, high-quality foreign produce enters the market. He added that advancements such as Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage facilities are helping local farmers deliver better-quality produce and improve market competitiveness.

The Chief Minister also praised the innovation displayed by young participants at the festival, citing examples of student-led technological solutions for farming and irrigation, and underscoring the role of universities in driving agricultural innovation—(KNO)