The government’s current campaign to revolutionalise agriculture, horticulture, irrigation system and promote ancillary activities like mushroom, beekeeping, fisheries, dairy, small ruminants, poultry farming and forestry in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) promises to make it the land that would have an important role in economic growth of our country.
The economy of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is largely agriculture dependent and approximately 70 percent of the population is directly or indirectly engaged in agricultural and allied .
Agriculture and its allied sectors have immense potential. If you see the country’s 70 percent apple produce, 95 percent walnut produce, and 90 percent trout are from J&K. Jammu Basmati, Kala Zera and apricots are our specialties. The quality of our sheep is the best in the country and we are again in the process of getting new breeds from New Zealand. J&K also produces high-quality silk and high-quality wool. Many gaps need to be plugged in and fixed on an immediate basis.
The J&K Government has successfully got the G.I tagging for Saffron and Basmati for effective domestic and international marketing. The registration for G.I tagging for Guchhi (Morchella), Solai Honey, Rajmash (Red Beans) and Muskhbudji is also in the pipeline. It will promote the economic prosperity of the farmers by enhancing their demand in National and International Markets.
There should be every possible structure to improve the livelihood standards of farmers in jammu kashmir , Centres efforts are must and vital in improving the livelihood status and in doing so all the schemes and policies must reach to farmers on ground for a result oriented change