20000226

Agri graduates

urged to get

micro-loans for

setting up business

ISLAMABAD: Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas Minister Abbas Sarfarz Khan advised unemployed agri-graduate association of Northern Areas to get micro-loans from the government and set up farm and agro-based industry.

During meeting with them at Guglote, he promised that the government would extend full technical facility for such purpose.

He said they should not look for the government jobs, their should stand on their own feet and start their own income generating schemes.

In the beginning they might have some problems, but later on they would be much better than the government officers who lead their life in the fixed income, the minister added.

He cited the examples of developed countries and said that progress was made in these countries through the efforts of individuals.

The minister also called upon the literate youth of Northern Areas to identify agro-based industry and give their feasibility reports to the government concerned department for seeking recommendations for grant of loan from various banking and other loan sanctioning authorities.

He said this while inspecting a roadside on-going small "trot fish farm" established in the private sector.

The Ministry of Environment, Co-operative Bank and Ministry of Northern Areas also provided funds to the private investors.

By the end of this year, the trot fish farm will start production. The trot fish is a breed which flourishes in cold fresh water.

It is in great demand and is costly and attracts tourists.ÑAPP