SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government informed the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday that it is implementing the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and the Jammu Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement Project (JKCIP) to boost the farm sector in the Union Territory.
In a written reply to a question from legislator Mubarik Gul during the ongoing budget session, the government stated these initiatives, alongside Centrally Sponsored Schemes and state-specific Capex Budget programmes, aim to enhance farmers’ economic sustainability and livelihoods while promoting overall growth in the Agriculture and Allied Sectors.
Detailing the agricultural profile of the Eidgah constituency in Srinagar district, the government noted that farming is predominantly small-scale, featuring the cultivation of vegetables, fodder, and traditional cereals like paddy and maize. It added that a gradual shift toward high-value crops is being promoted to increase farmers’ income.
The government further informed that under various schemes, farm machinery and equipment worth Rs 72.50 lakh have been provided to farmers in areas such as Takanwari, Badivudur, and Palpora within the Eidgah constituency over the last three years.
To improve irrigation, the Command Area Development Department is constructing Field Channels and Drains under a NABARD-assisted project at Harwan-Tailbal, with a total cost of Rs 380.97 lakh. The project is targeted for completion in 2026-27.
Highlighting broader steps to promote agriculture in Srinagar, including Eidgah, the reply listed several interventions, Provision of subsidized vermi-compost units and poly greenhouses to encourage organic inputs and protected cultivation.
Organization of farmer training programmes and exposure visits outside the Union Territory. Implementation of the Soil Health Card scheme and direct financial support through programmes like PM-Kisan and Promotion of off-season cultivation through natural and organic farming.
The government asserted that as a result of these measures, cropping intensity in certain areas has increased significantly—from about 150 percent to nearly 400 percent—ensuring the winter availability of fresh vegetables and creating better marketing opportunities for farmers. (KNS)
