The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is set on a strategic agricultural transformation. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has announced a determined goal: to develop the region into a ₹1 trillion agricultural economy by 2030. This vision was outlined during the concluding ceremony of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan held at the Mountain Research Centre for Field Crops, SKUAST-Kashmir, in Khudwani, Kulgam.
Speaking to a gathering of farmers, scientists, and agricultural stakeholders, LG Sinha framed the campaign as an essential step toward a future where Jammu and Kashmir becomes a cornerstone of India’s development mission, known as Viksit Bharat 2047.
Strengthening Agriculture Through Vision and Action
Sinha urged that the campaign marks more than an outreach—it lays the foundation for a modern and self-reliant agricultural ecosystem. He stated, “Let us walk together towards a future where every field blooms with prosperity, every farmer thrives with dignity, and every village becomes a symbol of development. With Sankalp (resolve) comes Shakti (strength), and with Shakti comes Vikas (development).” These remarks underscore a structured commitment to revitalizing agriculture by promoting equity, innovation, and sustainability.
The administration’s agenda is firmly aligned with enhancing rural employment and farmer incomes, especially for those in marginalized and tribal communities. Special focus is being given to the Gujjars, Bakarwals, Paharis, and other Scheduled Tribes who rely heavily on traditional farming methods and forest ecosystems. This focus not only honors their cultural contributions but also seeks to integrate their wisdom into modern agricultural policy.
Jammu and Kashmir initiated a broad-based Holistic Agriculture Development Program in 2022, which laid the groundwork for the current strategy. The program facilitated the adoption of new crops like mustard, promoted beekeeping, and introduced seed banks. It also supported activities such as trout farming and mushroom cultivation. These measures are directly aimed at diversifying farm incomes, making agriculture more profitable and less vulnerable to market shocks.
Boosting Infrastructure and Insurance Access
The LG responded to farmer concerns by instructing the Agriculture Minister to prioritize extending the PM Fasal Bima Yojana to those in the horticulture sector. This would provide much-needed protection to fruit growers who form a large part of the Union Territory’s agricultural community.
Moreover, the government has significantly upgraded agricultural infrastructure. Since 2022, cold storage capacity has doubled, milk processing has increased sixfold, and fish production has surged by 33 percent. These upgrades ensure better preservation, reduce wastage, and provide farmers with direct access to larger markets.
Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan: Science Meets Grassroots
The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan reached over 1.72 lakh farmers in 15 days across the Kulgam district alone. Farmers received training in natural farming, integrated pest management, and polyhouse cultivation. These campaigns reflect the administration’s belief in science-led outreach, ensuring that advancements reach every farmer. LG Sinha called on agricultural scientists to integrate these improvements into governance and not limit them to campaign periods.
The event also clarified governance responsibilities. LG Sinha noted that law and order remains under his jurisdiction, while infrastructure, water, and agriculture fall within the domain of the elected government. This division is intended to improve coordination and delivery. He emphasized that all levels of government should work cohesively for the betterment of the farming community. More than 70 percent of Jammu and Kashmir’s population is directly or indirectly linked to agriculture. LG Sinha praised the youth entrepreneurs who are reshaping the rural economy by leveraging modern techniques and government incentives. These young agripreneurs are creating sustainable business models, reducing rural migration, and driving local employment.
Inclusion of Tribal Farmers and Regional Varieties
The campaign made a conscious effort to include tribal farmers and ensure they receive equal access to modern agricultural tools. Their ancestral farming methods, combined with new scientific innovations, are expected to significantly improve productivity in forested and hilly regions.
At the SKUAST-K event, twenty new rice varieties were unveiled, designed to suit J&K’s diverse agro-climatic zones. This is part of the government’s plan to localize crop science and increase self-sufficiency. The gathering observed a two-minute silence in honor of the citizens who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack, highlighting the union territory’s commitment to peace and resilience. Jammu and Kashmir’s Gross Domestic Product has exceeded ₹2.30 lakh crore, with agriculture playing a crucial role. The UT is also India’s largest apple producer, contributing to more than 75 percent of the country’s total output. These statistics validate the administration’s decision to concentrate on agriculture as a driver of long-term economic stability.
The roadmap to achieve the ₹1 trillion target by 2030 includes:
- Crop diversification through region-specific varieties and modern techniques
- Strengthened value chains, including processing, storage, and logistics
- Inclusive participation, especially from tribal and remote communities
- Institutional integration of policies and practices into governance frameworks
These pillars ensure that the strategy is both comprehensive and realistic.
Persistent Challenges and Roadblocks
Despite progress, some challenges remain. Crop insurance is still not accessible to all, especially for fruit crops. Infrastructure improvements need to reach more remote areas. Water scarcity in some parts of the valley also threatens consistent irrigation. Addressing these issues will be critical to sustaining momentum and meeting the projected targets.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the campaign was the active participation of farmers from every district, who voiced their concerns directly to the LG. Their feedback has been instrumental in shaping responsive government actions. This transparent interaction strengthens trust and ensures policy relevance at the grassroots level.
A Blueprint for a Resilient Agricultural Future
To transform Jammu and Kashmir’s economy through agriculture, the administration is investing in all key aspects: research, farmer welfare, infrastructure, tribal inclusion, and youth empowerment.
Each scheme, whether under HADP or PM Fasal Bima Yojana, feeds into a larger framework designed to bring every farmer into the fold of India’s development story.
The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is poised to become a model for agricultural development in India. With a clear roadmap, robust infrastructure, farmer-centric policies, and scientific backing, the goal of a ₹1 trillion agricultural economy by 2030 is within reach. This initiative not only enhances productivity and incomes but also strengthens rural livelihoods, especially in tribal and hilly regions.
As the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan concludes, it leaves behind a roadmap of progress and a renewed sense of purpose among farmers, policymakers, and scientists alike. The administration’s continued focus on inclusivity, technology, and grassroots engagement makes this transformation not just a possibility but a priority.
