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Ever since the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, Jammu and Kashmir embarked on a journey of transformation to bring its horticulture sector back to life. Farming and allied industries are the pillar of the economy, now concentrated on sustainable development, technology, and equitable development. Previously, Jammu and Kashmir agriculture was based on subsistence farming with limited exposure to new technology and markets. Repeal of Article 370 paved the way for policy formulations for integrating the region into the national economy. These changes have brought in sophisticated agricultural methods, investment, and enhanced market access for farmers. The government’s Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) has been at the forefront of the change. It encompasses several projects in agriculture, horticulture, livestock, and allied industries, with the aim of increasing productivity, improving exports, and making the industries sustainable.
The J&K government, guided by the Lieutenant Governor’s guidance and central support, has led agricultural transformation. With policies like HADP, PM-Kisan, and the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), it has made large-scale modernization possible. Government incentives, cold storage support, and infrastructure upgrades have influenced the shift. An integral part of HADP has been incorporating technology into agriculture. With the launch of smart agriculture initiatives using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, accurate monitoring of crop health, soil moisture levels, and climate conditions is now possible. This leading to better resource efficiency. Development of infrastructure has also been given emphasis, with the construction of high-tech poly houses and greenhouses improving off-season produce. CA storage and rural hubs are reducing post-harvest losses and improving market access.
Empowering the farmers, especially women and youths, has been an area of focus of post-Article 370 agricultural reforms. Kisan Khidmat Ghars (KKGs) are established across the region to provide farmers with quality inputs, technical advice, and market linkages. The centres are sites of convergence for agri-services, allowing best practices to be implemented and productivity increased among the farmers. Daksh Kisan Learning Management System offers certified courses in multiple languages so that farmers can gain modern agri-skills. Precision and organic farming and value addition have been learned by thousands of farmers.
Dr. Mudasir Ali Bhat, a successful farmer from Baramulla, has set an example before the youth in Jammu and Kashmir. Due to the intervention of the HADP scheme, Dr. Bhat managed to overcome economic constraints that used to hamper his farming activities. The scheme, providing lucrative subsidies, enabled him to go for modern horticultural methods, thereby making his farm a profitable venture. His success is an example of the good that government schemes are doing to strengthen local farmers and motivate the next generation to follow agriculture.
Mohammad Sadiq, yet another progressive farmer of Hygam Sopore, has adopted innovations and advanced agriculture. Through the use of advanced irrigation systems, organic inputs, and protected cultivation, Sadiq enhanced the productivity and sustainability of his farm. His initiative created jobs and inspired other local farmers. Sadiq’s farm, now an example of climate-resilient agriculture, emphasizes the need to couple scientific approaches with indigenous wisdom.
Diversification into high-value crops and value-added products has been at the focus of the government’s farm reforms. Value Crops like saffron, kalazeera, and basmati rice enhance the region’s agricultural diversity and export base. Nursery development and seed village development provide an assurance of quality planting material, while Geographical Indication (GI) tagging ensures the preservation of the unique identity of these products. The mushroom industry has also seen considerable growth, with mushroom canning and pickling units offering value-added products and creating new markets for farmers of the region.
Climate change poses a major threat to agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir. To counter its effect, the government is encouraging climate-resilient crops like millets and nutri-cereals. These crops enhance food security and farmer incomes. Growing these crops in rain-fed areas and adding processing units is creating new value chains. Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) and Integrated Livelihood Systems (ILS) have been developed in drought-prone and rain-fed regions to help farmers boost income while pursuing sustainable farming practices.
Another important development toward improving market access is the emergence of product clusters in different districts. The product clusters based on milk, walnuts, meat and poultry, vegetables, and basmati rice are enhancing aggregation and branding. Export-oriented crops as well as regional produce branding will strengthen the horticulture economy in the region. Promotion of high-density fruit farming as well as nursery production expansion is adding to rural employment and incomes.
SKUAST, with campuses in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions, has played a crucial role in offering research-based solutions to the region’s farmers for their unique problems. The university works with government agencies to introduce improved agricultural practices, introduce climate-resistant crop varieties, and provide training programs that benefit local farmers. SKUAST research has played an instrumental role in bringing in contemporary methods that deal with the agro-climatic issues of the region.
Regardless of the progress made, there are still challenges. The exposure of agricultural land to non-farmers has created fears among indigenous farmers of land control and ownership. Also, the introduction of new land grant regulations has caused fears of the displacement of indigenous farmers. To address these challenges, inclusive policies that safeguard the interests of local farmers while encourage investment and up gradation are required. Continued focus on research, training, and infrastructure will be key to maintaining the momentum of agricultural change in Jammu and Kashmir.
The post-Article 370 era has brought about a new era for Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture industry. Strategic plans such as HADP, government assistance, and active engagement of institutions such as SKUAST are propelling the region’s agricultural makeover. Through sustained emphasis on technology, sustainability, and empowerment, Jammu and Kashmir is set to emerge as a model of agricultural development and rural prosperity in India.
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