The man helping transform Kashmir’s agriculture through HADP

By: Farhan Saleem Wani – Ziraat Times 

Srinagar: The Jammu & Kashmir Government has conferred the State Award for Meritorious Public Service on Dr. Anjum Andrabi, Assistant Director of the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP), in recognition of his contributions to agriculture and rural development.

Dr. Andrabi, a veterinary scientist and agricultural strategist, has played a key role in policy innovations, technological advancements, and farmer empowerment initiatives under HADP. The program, launched by the Agriculture Production Department of J&K, is a multi-faceted initiative designed to transform the region’s agricultural sector through 29 projects and 75 schemes.

HADP aims to shift J&K’s agriculture from subsistence farming to a sustainable, technology-driven, and commercially viable system. The program focuses on crop diversification, horticulture, livestock development, digital empowerment, and market-driven strategies.
“Agriculture is not just about growing crops; it is about securing livelihoods and ensuring economic resilience,” Dr. Andrabi said while speaking to Ziraat Times. “Through HADP, we are integrating modern technology with traditional farming wisdom to create a robust agricultural ecosystem.”

Under his leadership, HADP has introduced several farmer-centric digital platforms, including the Kisan Sathi Portal, which simplifies subsidy applications and access to financial services. Another key initiative is the Daksh Kisan Learning Management System, which provides multi-lingual training modules to educate farmers on modern techniques.

“Empowering farmers with knowledge is crucial. Through Daksh Kisan, we are equipping them with the skills to improve productivity and adapt to market demands,” Dr. Andrabi explained.

Farmer-Friendly Infrastructure & Policy Innovation
A major highlight of Dr. Andrabi’s work is the establishment of Kisan Khidmat Ghars, resource hubs that provide technical support and trainin, access to modern agricultural equipment and market linkages for better pricing.

“These centers act as a bridge between farmers and the latest agricultural advancements, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to thrive,” he said.

Dr. Andrabi has also been instrumental in formulating HADP’s 29 Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), covering areas such as high-density horticulture, seed multiplication, dairy and poultry farming, and agricultural marketing.

“Strategic planning is key to sustainable agriculture. By aligning policies with ground realities, we are creating long-term solutions for farmers,” he added.

With over 25 research papers and two major treatises, Dr. Andrabi has established himself as a thought leader in agricultural and veterinary sciences.

“Receiving this award is not just a personal milestone but a validation of HADP’s collective vision. The future of J&K’s agriculture lies in innovation, collaboration, and resilience,” said, while speaking to Ziraat Times.