Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated Jashn-e-Amad-e-Bahar, the Spring Festival on the occasion of Baisakhi, at Jablipora in Anantnag.

Addressing a large gathering on the occasion, the Chief Minister described spring as a symbol of renewal and hope, stating that the festival represents not just a seasonal transition but also a new phase of development and governance in Jammu & Kashmir.

“We always celebrate the arrival of spring because spring is a new beginning for us. These spring celebrations are not only to celebrate the beginning of this year’s spring, but also to remind people that after the arrival of our government, there was not only an effort, but a path was made. There is a new spring, a new beginning,” he said.

Highlighting recent policy initiatives, the Chief Minister referred to key decisions taken during the recent budget session, including provision of free six LPG cylinders to the poorest households and free electricity under the Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.

He also emphasized the landmark decision to allow establishment of private universities in Jammu & Kashmir, aimed at expanding access to quality higher education within Jammu and Kashmir.

“Our children are struggling. In other states, to get admission in private universities, their expenses also increase and they have to face difficulties from time to time. We have now opened the doors for those private universities to come to J&K. Now we will go to different states and invite these universities to come here, to come to J&K, to come to Kashmir, to establish their campuses in remote areas. And our children, who had to leave J&K to get education, will now get education in those private universities here in J&K,” he added.

Reaffirming his government’s commitment to strengthening rural livelihoods, the Chief Minister said focused efforts are being made to boost farmers’ incomes and build a sustainable, self-reliant agriculture sector in Jammu & Kashmir.

The Chief Minister highlighted a series of transformative and forward-looking initiatives undertaken by his government in the agriculture and allied sectors, describing them as pivotal to reshaping the rural economy of Jammu and Kashmir.

He underscored that these interventions are not only aimed at enhancing productivity and farmers’ income but also at promoting sustainability, diversification, and value addition.

He further noted that several ambitious programmes are in the pipeline, including the expansion of high-density plantations, strengthening of cold storage and marketing infrastructure, and greater integration of technology in farming practices. “Our vision is to build a resilient and self-reliant agricultural economy that empowers farmers and contributes significantly to the overall economic growth of J&K,” he asserted.

Referring to the immense potential of South Kashmir, the Chief Minister remarked that the region is richly endowed with fertile land and a favourable climate, making it ideal for both agriculture and tourism. He said that South Kashmir offers a unique blend of natural beauty and agricultural diversity, which can be effectively leveraged to promote agro-tourism. From the mesmerizing lavender or purple bloom to the vibrant mustard fields and lush green paddy landscapes during summer, the region presents a visual and experiential delight for visitors. He emphasized that such initiatives can create new livelihood opportunities for local communities while simultaneously showcasing the region’s rich agrarian heritage to the world.

The Chief Minister said that the government is committed to transforming the region into a vibrant hub of the White Revolution through the promotion of modern and sustainable dairy farming. He emphasized that focused efforts are being made to strengthen dairy infrastructure, enhance milk production and improve the livelihood of farmers associated with the sector. Highlighting the immense potential of the region, he noted that initiatives such as the establishment of milk processing units, provision of high-yielding cattle, veterinary support, and better market linkages are being actively pursued.

“Our aim is to create a robust dairy ecosystem that not only ensures nutritional security but also generates employment and steady income for rural households,” he added.

Minister for Health & Medical Education, Higher Education & Social Welfare, Sakeena Masood Itoo; Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Election, Javid Ahmad Dar; Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani; and MLA Srigufwara-Bijbehara, Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri, along with several other legislators, senior officers and officials, were present on the occasion.

The event, organized under the aegis of the Agriculture Production Department, J&K, aimed at promoting agro-tourism and showcasing the region’s rich horticultural potential.