“HADP sustanability in question”: J&K Kissan Council for enhanced agriculture focus in upcoming Budget

Jammu: Jammu & Kashmir Kissan Council has raised concerns over the “inadequate attention” to agriculture in the Union Territory’s upcoming budget discussions, despite 70% of its population relying directly or indirectly on the sector.

While acknowledging initiatives like the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and the Jammu & Kashmir Commercial Investment Programme (JKCIP), Tajinder Singh Wazir, President, stressed that benefits remain uneven. “Though some components show progress, capital investment in agricultural and allied sectors needs streamlining to ensure direct reach to small and marginal farmers,” he stated. He flagged the absence of long-term sustainability in HADP’s two-year implementation, urging the government to prioritize interest subventions (subsidies on loan interest) for farmers’ working capital needs.

Wazir pressed for the swift rollout of the proposed JK UT Crops and Milch Animals Insurance Scheme to curb disenchantment in milk production and safeguard farmers against losses. He advocated for productivity-linked incentives, suggesting rewards per kilogram of milk and meat to support nomadic and tribal communities.

On floriculture, he questioned the reliance on imported flower bulbs for Srinagar’s famed Tulip Garden. “Why not engage local growers? This project should catalyze domestic production and reduce imports,” he asserted, demanding policy shifts to boost the sector.

The Council leader appealed to Leader of Opposition Sunil Kumar Sharma to champion farmers’ issues, emphasizing skill development, dedicated funds for transporting produce from hilly areas, and stringent accountability in public spending. He also called for Agricultural and Technical Universities to leverage Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds for training programs. “Equipping farmers with modern techniques is vital to foster agri-enterprises and innovation,” Wazir added.