Jammu all set to manufacture anti-cancer drugs: Dr Jitendra Singh

New Delhi: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, on Saturday announced that Jammu is all set to manufacture medicinal and anti-cancer drugs.

Dr Singh, who is a Member of Parliament from Udhampur-Kathua-Doda Lok Sabha constituency  convened a comprehensive constituency-level meeting via video conferencing today to finalize a month-long series of activities commemorating 11 years of the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Dr Singh also announced the upcoming cannabis cultivation initiative in collaboration with IIIM Jammu and private partners to manufacture medicinal and cancer drugs in the Jammu region.

He said that Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have been empowered 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.

Dr Singh said that as part of the Gram Krishi Seva Yojana, four Agromet Observatories have been commissioned in Ladakh, Srinagar, Jammu, with four new district-level Agromet units in Kupwara, Baramulla, Kathua, and Reasi, backed by SKUAST.

Dr Singh laid out a comprehensive schedule for the month-long celebrations marking 11 years of the Modi Government. The planned activities include public exhibitions, media interactions, professional meets, and coordinated grassroots-level efforts aimed at ensuring widespread public engagement and awareness. These initiatives are designed to showcase the government’s achievements and encourage active citizen participation in the vision of a Viksit Bharat.

Dr. Jitendra Singh called upon officials to ensure that the “Viksit Bharat Krishi Sankalp Abhiyaan” reaches every district and mandal.

He also asked the officials to ensure 100% saturation of flagship schemes like Ayushman Bharat. “Don’t leave any beneficiary unregistered. Every citizen must experience the impact of the Modi Government’s transformational schemes,” he stated.

Highlighting recent strides in science-driven agriculture, Dr. Jitendra Singh 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 added.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also 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.

Touching upon the nation’s historic and cultural identity, Dr Singh emphasized the importance of remembering and honoring key national milestones and movements. He 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 Singh 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.

Furthermore, he appreciated the Tiranga Yatra, linking it with the success of “Operation Sindoor,” and called for its continued celebration as a symbol of national pride and collective self-esteem.

Dr. Jitendra Singh is also set to launch the two-day Lavender festival on 1st June 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 colors 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. —(KNO)