Stressing on the need of utilising science, technology and innovations for the benefit of common man, chief minister Omar Abdullah on Friday identified agriculture, horticulture and bio-mass energy generation as the areas in Jammu and Kashmir requiring intervention of science for comprehensive growth.
"In Jammu and Kashmir, about 70% of the 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 was imperative for overall development of the state.
"I would like that the researches and scientific innovations are utilised for the improvement of common people", he said.
Addressing the valedictory function of the 101st Indian Science Congress in Jammu University here on Friday afternoon, Omar said that Jammu and Kashmir had greater scope of generating energy from abundantly available bio-mass in the shape of weeds in Dal and other lakes.
"My endeavour is to invite scientific intervention in converting these weeds into the energy. 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.
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 were rain fed and required technological support to undertake agricultural activities that would enable farmers to earn remunerative income and help significant increase in productivity and production.
{{/usCountry}}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 were rain fed and required technological support to undertake agricultural activities that would enable farmers to earn remunerative income and help significant increase in productivity and production.
{{/usCountry}}Omar maintained that health sector was yet another area requiring scientific support, and said that research will give a "forward push to the universalisation modern health initiatives" in the state.
Omar suggested that the recommendations finalised in the congress should be sent to all the state governments besides the Centre.