J&K Govt signs MoC with New Zealand G2G for transforming Sheep Farming Sector in the UT
Jammu and Kashmir Administration on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) for transforming Sheep Farming Sector in the UT.
The virtual MoC signing ceremony was presided over by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhawan.
The MoC was signed by Navin Kumar Choudhary, Principal Secretary to J&K Government, Animal & Sheep Husbandry Department and Mischa Mannix-Opie, Executive Director, New Zealand G2G as a mutual commitment between J&K and New Zealand for complementing each other’s capability in sheep sector.
The Lt Governor observed that the new partnership between J&K and New Zealand will boost production and productivity in livestock sector of the UT.
Overarching objective of the MoC is to improve farmers’ remuneration, transfer of technology in research and development as well as marketing & value addition of sheep products of J&K, the Lt Governor said.
New Zealand is an important partner of India’s expanding relationship globally and we attach special values to our ties not only because of deep bonding and cultural affinities but also from a mature understanding of our strategic convergences, global interests and economic potential, observed the Lt Governor.
“Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Ms Jacinda Ardern believe in shared commitment to promote ideals of democracy, peace and prosperity for the people. Despite turbulent events of global pandemic since the last two years, there has been almost seamless continuity in India-New Zealand relationship,” LG said.
He said that this year marks 70th anniversary of commencement of bilateral relations between our two countries.
“It gives us opportunity to strengthen our partnership and our resolve to construct a strong edifice of a long term, mutual reinforcing economic relationship,” LG said.
LG said that the new partnership is aimed at doubling produce in the next three years with substantial increment in quality of livestock products, wool production and introducing processing facilities and value addition to boost income and benefits to Jammu Kashmir.
“We are creating an enabling environment for the integrated growth of livestock sector which is providing livelihood support to around 1.2 million families and contributing 5% to the Union Territory’s GDP,” LG said.
The LG said that we are committed to create conditions, which would facilitate the rapid growth of this cooperation.
“I am confident this cooperation agreement between New Zealand G2G and Jammu Kashmir Union Territory is just the beginning of widening and deepening of our relationship in the future,” LG said.
