J&K’s Grand Agri Plan Unveiled, But Farmers Ask: Where’s the Infrastructure, Market, and Water?

Srinagar: In a bid to revolutionize Jammu and Kashmir’s agriculture and allied sectors, the J&K government has unveiled a financial package to modernize agriculture, boost incomes, and expand market access. While officials hail it as a game-changer, farmers and experts remain cautious, pointing to persistent challenges on the ground.

Under the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP), the government has earmarked Rs 5,013 crore until 2027-28, including Rs 815 crore for 2024-25. The program aims to increase agricultural growth by 11 percent, create 2.88 lakh jobs, and establish 19,000 enterprises, transitioning J&K from subsistence farming to a commercial agri-economy.

Additionally, the Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP), backed by a $100 million investment from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Rs 117 million from the J&K government, seeks to enhance climate-smart farming, benefiting nearly three lakh households. Together, these initiatives represent a Rs 6,813 crore investment in reshaping J&K’s agricultural landscape.

Despite ambitious plans, J&K’s agriculture sector faces significant hurdles. Farmers continue to battle low yields, erratic weather patterns, inadequate irrigation, poor market access, and declining profitability. Crop diversification remains limited, and outdated techniques persist due to inadequate training and infrastructure.

“In recent years, apple production which is the backbone of Kashmir’s horticulture has suffered from climate change, rising input costs, and competition from imported apples,” said Abdul Rashid, a fruit grower from Sopore. “Unless the government ensures price stability and transport subsidies, increasing production alone won’t help,” he added.

Similarly, wheat and paddy farmers in Jammu lament poor irrigation facilities and low Minimum Support Prices (MSP). “We are promised a two-crop pattern, but without better irrigation, it is impossible,” said Rajinder Singh, a farmer from Pattan in North Kashmir.

The government has set an ambitious target of increasing horticulture production by 15-20 percent over the next five years, with plans to expand high- and medium-density plantations by 5,500 hectares by 2026-27.

To address post-harvest losses, Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage capacity is expected to reach 6 LMT by 2029. However, local traders argue that cold storage and transport bottlenecks remain critical issues.

“Farmers are forced to sell apples at throwaway prices due to a lack of cold storage,” said Mohammad Yousuf, a trader in Sopore Mandi. “More storage is welcome, but will it be affordable for small farmers?”

The government plans to establish additional dairy units to achieve self-sufficiency in milk production and expand trout farming to boost fish production. However, farmers insist more needs to be done.

“The dairy sector lacks proper veterinary support and modern breeding techniques,” said Irfan Khan, a dairy farmer from Pulwama. “Loans and subsidies exist on paper, but access is difficult,”.

The fisheries sector, particularly trout farming, remains an underutilized asset. “If fish exports are streamlined and modern techniques are adopted, this could be a major industry,” said Bilal Mir, a fish farmer from Verinag in South Kashmir.

J&K’s wool industry, despite producing some of India’s finest wool, has suffered due to weak market linkages. Prices have plummeted from Rs 100 to Rs 30 per kg, forcing many farmers to abandon wool production.

The government plans to introduce advanced processing technologies and attract private investments to revive the sector, potentially generating Rs 135 crore annually. Around 5,000-6,000 pelts are wasted daily due to the absence of processing units, prompting plans to promote leather tanning industries, which could add Rs 100 crore to J&K’s economy.

“This is long overdue. If investments come in, J&K can become a major player in these industries,” said Mohammad Ashraf, a wool trader from Aripanthan village in Budgam.

While the budget outlines grand plans, economic experts caution that execution will be the real challenge.

“The investment is significant, but the challenge lies in implementation. Without robust infrastructure and efficient market linkages, farmers may struggle to reap the benefits,” said retired economist Ritu Dewan.

“Subsidies and credit schemes are helpful, but long-term growth depends on structural reforms—better irrigation, cold storage, and access to national and international markets,” she added.

Farmers, too, remain skeptical. "We keep hearing big announcements, but farming in Jammu and Kashmir remains a struggle. Erratic weather, poor irrigation, and rising costs make survival difficult. Without proper canals, borewells, or affordable cold storage, we are forced to sell at losses. Middlemen exploit us due to lack of direct market access, and climate change worsens the situation. Loans and subsidies exist on paper, but access remains a challenge. Unless irrigation, fair pricing, and storage improve, financial packages alone won’t help,” said Ghulam Nabi, a farmer from Pulwama.