Riyaz-Ullah
Agriculture has always been the bedrock of any economy in the world. It is not only the backbone of economy at the national level but at the regional level in jammu and Kashmir. It is serving as the primarily livelihood for the majority of its population. Despite the challenges of political and economic in the region, Agriculture remains as 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 that is a key contribution in the economy of J&K.
Agro-Diversedd crops
The topography and the climate of jammu and kashmiris ranging 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 whole region. The major crops of the jammu region include rice, wheat and maiz,which provides the staple food for the population. The cooler climate of the Kashmir valley that is suited mainly for growing Horticultural crops includes 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 regions most famous pears, apricots, cherris,walnuts, etc. Saffron is the most famous and highly economic valued crop of the valley. This is the king product in Agriculture, it is cultivated in south of valley in pampore region, saffron is highly prized globally for its quality and uses. There are many other items that are cultivated in the whole of the jammu and Kashmir regions like pulses,oil seeds etc.
Livestock and Dairy
Livestock rearing is the 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 is playing very important role in the economy of the region. This sector is mostly managed by the 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 the 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 one 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 population of the union territory of the jammu and Kashmir is directly involved either in agriculture or its related sectors. This region lacks in growing industrial sector ,that is why maximum population has no other alternatives to survive their life on any other sector.The population of the J&K is not equally engaged in Argiculture 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, who holds the number of hectares of land that are the big land lords, second who holds a few kanals of land and the third one section is landless or holding only the residential houses this section is mostly belonging from the obc class of the society. The bigger land lords dominate and small farmers survive easily that gives the opportunity of labour to the third section of the society and makes their survive possible.The Agriculture sector is very highly activating the economic activities of the region and increases the standard of living of the people of the 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 limits its potential. The most important one 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 agricultural sector ,no doubt J&K has the abundance of water resources But its inadequate irrigation infrastructure is the great concern for the farmers. Farmers deeply depend on the heavy rainfall leaving them in vulnerability due to weather and climatic changes.
Disruption in transportation and market blockades affects the sale of Agricultural products that is leading the big or small farmers to unbearable post-harvest losses.in addition to this , farmers lack the proper guideline to uses medicine and fertilizers at proper time, that results more heavy losses.
High quality fertilizers, manures and medicines prices are unaffordable far the cultivators of agricultural products on a large scale, to increase the subsidized rates on the essential items may fill this problem.
Increase in constructions on the productive and cultivable lands is going uncontrolled in the whole region that not only reduces the percentage of Agricultural crops but also increases the unemployment.This is the 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 the agriculture in J&K,there is also a quick need of the governments intervention to take several initiatives to improve productivity and support to the farmers. The department of Agriculture is progressively working to modernize the 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 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 mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIHD)-to promote high value crops, Pradhan mantra Krishi Sinchayee Yojana(PMKSY)-Better use of available water resources.
Shifting the agriculture toward the organic practices that would not only enhance soil health but also offer farmers access to premium markets, as its demand is continuously increasing in domestic and in international markets. The use of modern technology including the precision farming that will help the farmers in addressing some of the key challenges by using satellite data and sensors.
Boosting of the Agro-based industries, is 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 the 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 deeply 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.
The author is teaching at Bansal classes Magam
