The Minister was speaking at a 3-day conference on Environmental and Livelihood Security through Resources Management of northern states held at Chandigarh Monday.  Minister of Agriculture Government of Punjab Sucha Singh Longah inaugurated the conference, attended by Agriculture Ministers of six northern states, the President of the Indian Agriculture Soil and Water Conservation, Dehradoon and scientists from various parts of the country.

Zargar said Jammu and Kashmir had become a victim of unrealistic exploitation of natural resources particularly forest wealth during turmoil.

He continued that standing trees in most of the forests had been cut down by unscrupulous people and smugglers causing environmental imbalance in the region.

The Minister said that because of deforestation, there had been a subsequent rise in temperature which was starting to affect glacier wealth leading to less water available for agriculture purposes.  This meant lower food grain production in the state. He added it was the government's duty to check deforestation as it is the main cause of environmental hazard and water scarcity.

According to Zargar, the Indian government had taken several steps to save the forests and ensure livelihood security to the common masses.

He said non-availability of water to the agriculture fields had reduced our agriculture production which in turn affects the economy of farmers.  THE END.