"I heard that it is for the first time in many years that an Agriculture Minister has visited the state. It is a proof that the development of Jammu and Kashmir is in our inner spirit. It is not a slogan but a matter of our faith," Singh said, addressing a foundation stone-laying ceremony of Saffron Park at Dussu Pampore in south Kashmir's Pulwama district.
He stressed that the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not believe in politicising development and has pledged growth and development in the country.
"We believe that for the development of the country, development of farmers is a must. If we leave the farmers of a state, then how will the nation develop? Our government cannot, even in our dreams, think of not helping the farmers in opposition ruled states," he said.
Calling Jammu and Kashmir the "crown of the country", Singh said government is "paying more attention to the dignity of the crown. Our government clearly wants the development of farmers in Jammu and Kashmir".