Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 29: Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs, Abdul Rahim Rather today said that the Coalition Government headed by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, in a landmark initiative, has taken a bold decision to make agriculture sector 100 percent tax free.
Speaking at a thought provoking session held in connection with pre-budget consultations with progressive farmers, under the aegis of J&K Board for Development of Kissans at Jammu, the Finance Minister said that agriculture sector is the mainstay of state’s economy which needs focused emphasis in budget and plan formulations and its implementation. He said the Government with a positive frame of mind will carry on to extend tax concessions and incentives to the agriculture sector to make it more remunerative and lucrative business activity, adding that every possible measure would be taken to introduce all the available farm technologies and innovations by providing tax relief on procurement of agriculture inputs and implements and import farm machinery.
Mr Rather lauded performance of Kissan Development Board headed by R S Sharma for unifying farming community and channelizing its energies towards betterment of farmers and bringing latest innovations in agriculture practices, adding that the board serves as a bridge between Government and farmers. He said the Government will continue to extend its full support to the Kissan Board to make it a fully empowered and vibrant institution so that other States of the country can take a cue and follow its model.
Vice-Chairman, J&K Board for Development R S Sharma also spoke on the occasion and lauded measures taken up by the Coalition Government for prosperity and progress of the farming community.
The prominent progressive farmers including Ex-Director Agriculture, Mr Khajuria, Rajesh Bittoo, Choudhary Dev Raj, Tejinder Singh put forth their suggestions to increase production and productivity in the State. They called for launching a well organised wheat procurement drive keeping in view the record wheat production this Rabi season. They also sought due share of investment from corporate houses in the agriculture sector under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Choudhary Dev Raj, President Basmati Rice Growers Association R S Pura, who is also a prominent social activists of the area gave valuable suggestions to increasing export of world famous Basmati rice of R S Pura.
The Economic Advisor to Government, Jalil Ahmed Khan, Commissioner Commercial Taxes, Kifayat Hussain Rizvi, Excise Commissioner, Vineeta Gupta, Additional Secretary, Finance, Showkat Aijaz, Secretary J&K Board for Welfare of Kissans, G A Mir were also present in the meeting.
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