ZIRAAT TIMES EDITORIAL BOARD
On October 19, 2024, two days after taking oath as the new Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Omar Abdullah made a striking public pledge: that the press in the state would have the freedom to criticise his government, and that they would not be penalised for that. Omar went a step further asserting that democracy is incomplete without an independent press.
These words of assurance mean a lot to J&K’s media. While, admittedly, media in J&K have largely enjoyed an environment where they could critique and share constructive feedback with governments, there have also been moments of discomfort.
Today, this editorial seeks to talk of something else – that is the imperative of a level playing field to media institutions in J&K’s new democratic journey.
Owing to the ming-boggling technological changes and social evolution, survival for many newspapers and media outlets globally, including in J&K, has become a challenge today. This neck-breaking change is necessitating all traditional media institutions to change, adapt and innovate.
In Jammu & Kashmir, while older, established newspapers continue to receive governmental advertisements of varying degree, that help them stay afloat, new and specialized publications find themselves left out. Among them is Ziraat Times, a hitherto nonprofit newspaper dedicated to the cause of farmers and the broader primary economy in J&K. Despite completing three years of print publication, Ziraat Times has yet to receive any government advertising support.
Since its inception in 2018, Ziraat Times has carved a unique niche by focusing on issues that directly impact the economic and social well-being of J&K’s farmers, established business communities and business start-ups. It has consistently worked to popularise high-value horticulture, promoted the adoption of new farming technologies, facilitated market access to farmers who were almost out of the high value supply chain, and provided critical analysis of market price trends to benefit farming and trading communities. Beyond agriculture, it has become a platform for budding youth entrepreneurship in sectors like high-tech farming, cold chains, food processing, pre-harvest value products and catering — areas that have sustained J&K’s economic wellbeing in the face of uncertainties in the tourism industry. It has remained inclusive, encouraged women and girls to put forth their views on their social and economic wellbeing and has promoted a responsible and positive journalism.
It is important to put on record that in the aftermath of 2019, Ziraat Times played a pivotal role in kickstarting public discourse on critical economic and developmental issues through initiatives like the “J&K State of the Economy” live debates and Zar Zameen live farmer programs. In an environment of silence, these efforts have been instrumental in re-starting discussions, bringing diverse communities and interest groups together and mainstreaming discussions around sustainable development, economic modernization, and employment generation across J&K’s primary, services, and industrial sectors.
However, despite its significant impact, Ziraat Times, like a few other new publications, has been excluded from the government’s advertising framework. This exclusion raises questions about inclusivity. A democratic system must recognize and support all voices, especially those that amplify the concerns of marginalized groups like farmers, business and trading communities and small entrepreneurs. Ignoring such platforms would not only undermine their sustainability but also deprive society of crucial perspectives and insights on developmental and economic wellbeing.
The new government recently indicated that the government’s media policy is under review. This is an opportune moment for Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene and ensure that the policy reflects the principles of fairness and inclusivity. Government advertisements should not be viewed merely as financial transactions; they are an investment for strengthening a vital democratic space. Newspapers like Ziraat Times have upheld their independence through a unique private financial model, and have survived. Some degree of governmental support would not only help in creating more better-paid jobs but would also consolidate the space for developmental and economic discourse.
This is not just a cliche – great democratic societies are built on the foundation of diverse voices and open dialogue. For J&K to flourish as a democratic society, it must have a media policy that reflects the values of inclusivity, positivity and progress.
Conveys media reporting one of the basic source in public domain has been taking note of has been revived to feel the pulse of the public in unbiased reporting.
Decades passed by since impartial reporting has been taken note and redressed .
Ziraat Times around the day including sharing latest estimates even during late night hours as time varies around the globe.Sincerely without mincing words it has brought fresh whip in reporting touching every aspect and facet if life.
Congratulation you deserve it you swimmed across the turbulent tides despite draconian atmosphere.ziraat time team deserve to be complimented for their efforts to create a niche in readers heart who are always eager to know what goes on without adding spices congratulations.
Conveys media reporting one of the basic source in public domain has been taking note of has been revived to feel the pulse of the public in unbiased reporting.
Decades passed by since impartial reporting has been taken note and redressed .
Ziraat Times around the day including sharing latest estimates even during late night hours as time varies around the globe.Sincerely without mincing words it has brought fresh whip in reporting touching every aspect and facet if life.
Congratulation you deserve it you swimmed across the turbulent tides despite draconian atmosphere.ziraat time team deserve to be complimented for their efforts to create a niche in readers heart who are always eager to know what goes on without adding spices congratulations.
Contribution of Ziraat Times in key sectors like agriculture, horticulture, agro-farming , ecology, environment, ecotourism and biodiversity conservation awareness has been remarkable besides focussing on the promotion of young start up entrepreneurs as self help groups. The management of the ZT needs all the appreciation for their untiring efforts to provide a credible and decent plateform for the responsible journalism to fill the vacuum to a large extent in respect of these fields.