SRINAGAR: Director Agriculture Kashmir, Sartaj Ahmed Shah, on Wednesday said that Jammu and Kashmir is aiming to raise the agricultural and allied sectors’ contribution to the Union Territory’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to Rs 1 lakh crore by 2030, up from the current Rs 37,000 crore.
Speaking to reporters in Sopore he said that the target can be achieved only if farmers are provided timely access to quality inputs such as seeds, irrigation, fertilisers, and pesticides.
He urged fertiliser and pesticide dealers to maintain quality control and comply with regulatory norms.
Shah said the Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) is being considered for apple orchards, which are currently not covered under the scheme.
“While maize and paddy are the main crops under coverage right now, there is a need to include apples. We are hopeful that the proposal will be approved by September, and by the next season, apple growers will be able to avail insurance benefits under RWBCIS,” he said.
On concerns about fertiliser quality, Shah said there have been no confirmed complaints of misbranded or substandard chemical fertilisers such as DAP, urea, or MOP in the region.
“A complaint is only valid after lab verification. Tests are conducted at the Lal Mandi facility. Unless the nutrient value falls below permissible limits, fertiliser cannot be termed misbranded. So far, none of the DAP, urea, or MOP samples have shown deficiency,” he said.
Commenting on recent weather-related challenges, Shah said the region had faced a dry spell due to the heatwave, which had led to drought-like conditions in some areas.
“The recent rainfall has brought some relief. If we receive another few showers, much of the crop damage may be recovered. We are hopeful for a decent harvest,” he said.
(KNO)
