by: Riyaz-Ullah
Agriculture has always been the bedrock of any economy in the world. It is not only the backbone of the economy at the national and regional levels in Jammu and Kashmir. It serves as the primary livelihood for the majority of its population. Despite the challenges of political and economic in the region, Agriculture remains a fundamental pillar, to contribute in rural and economic sustenance. The Argo-climatic conditions of J&K is very diverse, it allows for growing a wide range of crops with high economic values which is a key contribution to the economy of J&K.
Agro-Diversedd crops: The topography and the climate of Jammu and Kashmiris range from subtropical plains in Jammu to the cool temperate in the valley of Kashmir, this ideal condition creates a wide range of growing different types of crops in the whole region. The major crops of the Jammu region include rice, wheat, and maize, which provide the staple food for the population. The cooler climate of the Kashmir valley that is suited mainly for growing Horticultural crops includes the famous apples of Kashmir valley. This crop is not only renowned at the National level but its presence is seen in the global markets also. Farmers of the valley are also growing the region’s most famous pears, apricots, cherries, walnuts, etc. Saffron is the most famous and highly economically valued crop of the valley. This is the king product in Agriculture, it is cultivated in the south of the valley in the Pampore region, and saffron is highly prized globally for its quality and uses. Many other items are cultivated in the whole of the Jammu and Kashmir regions like pulses, oil seeds etc.
Livestock and Dairy: Livestock rearing is another part of the agrarian lifestyle in Jammu and Kashmir, in which sheep rearing is widely the employment of the people of J&K. The contribution of wool production, mutton, and dairy play very important roles in the economy of the region. This sector is mostly managed by pastoral communities such as the Gujjars and Bakarwals, who migrate seasonally to graze their animals. The distinct geography of the J&K with high altitudes meadows, makes it ideal for livestock farming and dairy production like milk, gee, and other daily use products. This sector increases the economic growth that activates the market and cater the needs of the consumption of the common masses in the whole region.
Employment and livelihood: Agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir is the only source that directly provides employment to the wider population of the J&K particularly in rural areas. This is estimated as more than 70% of the population of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir is directly involved either in agriculture or its related sectors. This region lacks in growing industrial sector, which is why the maximum population has no other alternatives to survive life in any other sector. The population of J&K is not equally engaged in Agriculture as the land holding also differs. There are three sections of the society when we talk about the land holdings in the whole region. First, those who hold the number of hectares of land are the big landlords, second, they hold a few Kanals of land third section is landless or holds only the residential houses this section mostly belongs to the OBC class of the society. The bigger landlords dominate and small farmers survive easily which gives the opportunity of labor to the third section of the society and makes their survival possible. The Agriculture sector is very highly activating the economic activities of the region and increases the standard of living of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. So this sector needs to be more focused and use the land judiciously for the growth of agricultural products.
Agricultural challenges: Despite its vital importance in the economy and livelihood in the region, it faces numerous challenges that limit its potential. The most important issue is low productivity because the farmers rely on the traditional methods of farming in this modern era of technology and HYV seed facilities.
Water management is the other critical challenge for the agricultural sector, no doubt J&K has an abundance of water resources But its inadequate irrigation infrastructure is a great concern for the farmers. Farmers deeply depend on heavy rainfall leaving them in vulnerability due to weather and climatic changes.
Disruption in transportation and market blockades affects the sale of Agricultural products, leading the big or small farmers to unbearable post-harvest losses.in addition to this, farmers lack the proper guidelines to use medicine and fertilizers at the proper time, which results more heavy losses.
High-quality fertilizers, manures, and medicines prices are unaffordable for the cultivators of agricultural products on a large scale, to increasing the subsidized rates on the essential items may fill this problem.
An increase in construction on the productive and cultivable lands is going uncontrolled in the whole region not only reducing the percentage of Agricultural crops but also increasing unemployment. This is an alarming situation for the population of the J&K if not managed and controlled the constructions on productive lands.
Initiatives and support: Recognizing the need to modernize agriculture in J&K, there is also a quick need for the government’s intervention to take several initiatives to improve productivity and support the farmers. The Department of Agriculture is progressively working to modernize agriculture But there is a need to mostly focus on the ground realities of the farmers where they face challenges and engage the youth with this sector, who are gradually leaving this sector and shifting themselves to other sectors of the economy or prefer to work abroad.
Financial assistance programs, such as Kisan Credit Card and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi needed much financial relief to farmers. In Addition including the different agricultural schemes that benefit the farmers like a mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIHD)-to promote high-value crops, Pradhan mantra Krishi Sinchayee Yojana(PMKSY)-And better use of available water resources.
Shifting agriculture toward organic practices would not only enhance soil health but also offer farmers access to premium markets, as its demand is continuously increasing in domestic and international markets. The use of modern technology including precision farming will help the farmers in addressing some of the key challenges by using satellite data and sensors.
Boosting the Agro-based industries is the present need and demand of the people related to this sector, this can be only done by the support and intervention of the government to lead the economy of J&K at the highest growth rates. Setting up the processing units for fruits, vegetables, and dairy products would add value to the raw production. This will also help in creating new jobs and curb the unemployment problem in the UT.
Improvement in market linkages and infrastructure is also crucial for tapping into the export potential of J&K’s Agricultural products. Cold storage facilities and efficient transport networks could significantly reduce post-harvest losses, especially for perishable items.
Thus support and deep intervention of the government of J&K will help to improve the access to the national and international markets to boost its export profile, generating more income for farmers and reviving the glory of the economy of J&K. By adopting sustainable practices, integrating modern technology, and focusing on Agro-industrial development this will lead, The economic growth and the rural-urban development in J&K and will become a powerful engine for boosting up the Agricultural sector. Its improvement will improve the livelihood and strengthen it overall economy of the J&K. Thus Agriculture will continue to be the lifeline of Jammu and Kashmir’s economic and social landscape.
Writer is teaching at Bansal classes Magam
