Udhampur-Kathua-Doda segment Dr Jitendra calls for 100% saturation of Govt schemes

Jammu, May 31: Union Minister of State in PMO, Dr Jitendra Singh, who is a Member of Parliament from Udhampur-Kathua-Doda Lok Sabha constituency, Saturday stressed upon 100 percent saturation of flagship schemes like Ayushman Bharat in his parliamentary constituency.

He asked officials to leave no beneficiary unregistered.

The Union Minister gave these directions while convening a comprehensive constituency-level meeting via video conferencing to finalise a month-long series of activities, commemorating 11 years of the Modi Government.

Fresh from launching the “Viksit Bharat Krishi Sankalp Abhiyaan” at R S Pura in Jammu alongside the Union Agriculture Minister, Dr Jitendra called upon officials to ensure the campaign reaches every district and mandal. “Every citizen must experience the impact of the Modi government’s transformational schemes,” he stated.

Highlighting recent strides in science-driven agriculture, the Union Minister showcased a series of transformative initiatives reshaping the agri-economy of the region.

The Biotech Industrial Park in Kathua has been made operational and integrated with Biotech Kisan Clusters, serving as a hub for innovation and farmer-scientist collaboration. The Purple Revolution, marked by the successful cultivation of lavender in Bhaderwah in collaboration with IIIM Jammu, has now spread to neighbouring states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, enabling young agri-entrepreneurs to earn lakhs through sales in high-end perfume markets, he stated.

Dr Jitendra is also set to launch the two-day Lavender festival on June 1 at Bhaderwah.

“Under the Floriculture Mission in J&K, over 385 hectares have been brought under cultivation, directly benefiting more than 3,000 farmers, with breakthroughs such as genetically engineered roses that can bloom in desired colours and across seasons. Additionally, the successful expansion of tulip cultivation from Palampur to Ayodhya, even during off-season periods, stands as a testament to the power of scientific innovation in enhancing India’s floricultural footprint,” it was stated during the meeting.

Dr Jitendra highlighted a breakthrough project by the Department of Atomic Energy and DBT to enhance shelf life and productivity of crops—enabling Kashmiri apples to now grow in Jammu alongside mangoes.

In a major policy announcement, he revealed the upcoming cannabis cultivation initiative in collaboration with IIIM Jammu and private partners to manufacture medicinal and cancer drugs. He also noted the empowerment of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to generate employment and income.

Moreover, he highlighted the development of an AI-based agricultural decision-making system for J&K, aimed at transforming traditional farming practices.

Union Minister informed that as part of the Gram Krishi Seva Yojana, four Agromet Observatories were commissioned in Ladakh, Srinagar, Jammu, with four new district-level Agromet units in Kupwara, Baramulla, Kathua, and Reasi, backed by SKUAST.

On this occasion, he also recalled the Emergency of 1975 as a “Black Day”, underscoring the need to observe its 50th anniversary on June 26 as a reminder of the value of democracy and civil liberties.

In anticipation of World Environment Day on June 5, he directed renewed enthusiasm for the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, encouraging citizens to participate with greater dedication and vigour.

Dr Jitendra also advocated for grand celebrations on International Yoga Day (June 21), particularly at major tourist destinations, to highlight India's global leadership in wellness and mindfulness.