Satish Sharma calls for climate-resilient agroecosystems; stresses innovation, youth-led sustainable growth in J&K

JAMMU : Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Youth Services & Sports, Information Technology, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, on Tuesday called for urgent, innovation-driven measures to build climate-resilient agroecosystems in Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing the national conference on Sustainable and Climate Resilient Agroecosystems at SKUAST-Jammu, the Minister said the region’s unique Himalayan ecology and agrarian economy place it at the frontline of climate change. He said that erratic weather patterns, shifting cultivation cycles and extreme climate events are already impacting the farmers, horticulturists and pastoral communities.

“Jammu and Kashmir is a living laboratory of climate change. Our response must be immediate, locally relevant and science-based,” he said.

Highlighting that nearly 60–70 percent of the population depends on agriculture and allied sectors, Satish Sharma stressed that long-term economic growth hinges on building resilient farming systems. He said Kashmir’s apple economy is facing stress from rising temperatures and shorter chilling periods and urged faster research into climate-resilient varieties. For Jammu, he highlighted declining groundwater and erratic monsoons affecting the key crops and called for greater adoption of precision irrigation and stronger agro-advisory outreach.

The Minister also drew attention to the challenges faced by Gujjar and Bakarwal communities due to disrupted grazing patterns, urging for integrated support that blends the traditional knowledge with modern science. He further stressed the need for watershed management and soil conservation.

Emphasizing the role of technology, Satish Sharma advocated real-time weather advisories, AI-driven farming solutions, stronger market linkages and robust cold-chain infrastructure. “Technology must connect research directly with the farmer,” he said.

He also appreciated the ongoing afforestation efforts and called for scaling up ecological initiatives across both the rural and urban areas.

Urging stronger collaboration between the institutions and policymakers, the Minister called for actionable recommendations under programmes like the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme.

Encouraging youth participation, he said young researchers and agri-entrepreneurs will play a decisive role in shaping a sustainable future. “The future of our agriculture lies in the hands of our youth,” he added.