Jammu, April 7: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the Centre of Excellence for Entrepreneurship in Precision Vegetable and Floriculture Farming at Talab Tillo, developed under NABARD at a cost of ₹5.929 crore, aiming to provide high-quality plant material and seeds to farmers and boost their earnings.

During the event, the Chief Minister highlighted challenges posed by erratic weather and emphasized government support through crop insurance, assured irrigation, and improved infrastructure. “As long as we provide proper quality seeds and plant material, the hard work of farmers will yield full benefits,” he said, urging replication of such facilities across all districts.
The facility, completed in record time, was toured by the Chief Minister, who lauded the Agriculture Production Department for timely execution. He also handed over sanction letters to beneficiaries under the HADP scheme and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening agriculture and allied sectors.
Minister for Agriculture Javid Ahmed Dar announced that Centres of Excellence will be established in all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir, promising visible progress within 2–3 years. Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani and MLA Arvind Gupta lauded the initiative, emphasizing its potential to modernize farming practices and enhance rural incomes.
The event was attended by senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretary Ashish Chander Verma, Directors Anil Gupta and Ghulam Jeelani Zargar, and a large gathering of farmers.