Srinagar, Jan 31: The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) has called upon Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take forward the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) in a Mission Mode, stressing that focused leadership and institutional coordination are essential to unlock the programme’s transformative potential for Jammu & Kashmir’s agrarian economy.
In a statement, the Chamber urged the appointment of a dedicated Mission Director for HADP to ensure focused implementation, real-time monitoring and timely resolution of initial operational challenges. FCIK said that while HADP is still at a nascent stage, its strong design now requires clear direction, mission-driven leadership and assured budgetary support.
FCIK lauded the architects and policymakers behind HADP, describing it as one of the most visionary and comprehensive interventions in Jammu & Kashmir’s agriculture sector. The Chamber expressed confidence that under the stewardship of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the programme could be guided onto a smooth and sustainable growth trajectory.
Highlighting the broader economic implications, FCIK said that if effectively implemented, HADP has the potential to transform rural livelihoods by converting farmers into agripreneurs, enhancing self-sufficiency, improving the balance of trade and reducing import dependence. From an industry perspective, the Chamber noted that HADP should be viewed not merely as an agricultural support scheme but as a strategic economic transformation programme aligned with industrial growth, manufacturing expansion, employment generation, value addition and import substitution under a “Make in J&K” framework.
FCIK observed that HADP redefines agriculture as an enterprise ecosystem, with multiple segments built around bankable and revenue-generating business models. This shift, it said, is critical for supplying quality raw material to agro-processing, food processing and allied industries, thereby strengthening upstream and downstream industrial linkages.
The Chamber further underlined that by encouraging formal registration of units, institutional credit linkages, insurance coverage and end-to-end value chain integration, HADP promotes the formalisation of agriculture and the creation of sustainable and dignified employment, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
Expressing concern over Jammu and Kashmir’s continued dependence on imports of poultry, milk, livestock products, vegetables, spices, seeds and processed agri-goods, FCIK said that uniform and full-scale implementation of HADP could progressively substitute imports, retain capital within the Union Territory and strengthen local supply chains.
From an industrial development standpoint, FCIK said HADP provides a strong base for agro-based manufacturing, including food processing, cold storage, warehousing, logistics, packaging, branding and marketing. Over time, this ecosystem could significantly expand the agro-industrial landscape of J&K and create synergies with MSMEs, industrial estates and export-oriented units.
The Chamber also pointed out that HADP opens structured avenues for private sector participation, Farmer Producer Organisations, cooperatives, processors, manufacturers, input suppliers and service providers, which it described as essential for achieving scale, efficiency and long-term sustainability.
FCIK said it had raised the issue of Mission Mode implementation of HADP during pre-budget consultations with the Chief Minister and incorporated detailed suggestions in its recommendations for a renewed industrial policy. It stressed that the programme’s success depends on adequate and predictable budgetary support, timely release of funds, seamless institutional credit linkages and strong convergence with industrial policy, MSME development initiatives, Make in India/Make in J&K programmes and export promotion frameworks.
Reiterating its demand, FCIK said appointing a full-time Mission Director with clearly defined authority and accountability would enable faster decision-making, coordinated inter-departmental convergence and effective handling of early-stage challenges. The Chamber said the forthcoming budget presents a critical opportunity to reinforce HADP and translate its vision into durable and measurable outcomes, positioning agriculture as a catalyst for rural industrialisation, enterprise creation and inclusive growth in Jammu and Kashmir.
