Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, held a comprehensive review meeting with Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah at the State Secretariat in Srinagar, highlighting the Centre’s commitment to boosting the region’s agricultural sector and rural infrastructure.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Shri Chouhan underscored the importance of Jammu & Kashmir in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). “A developed Jammu & Kashmir is critical to our national progress,” he said, while announcing a series of initiatives aimed at empowering farmers and improving rural livelihoods.
Focus on Horticulture and Clean Planting Material
The Minister appreciated the region’s rich horticultural diversity especially apples, almonds, and walnuts but raised concerns over imported plant materials turning disease-prone after a few years. To tackle this, he announced the setting up of a ₹150-crore Clean Plant Center in Srinagar under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). The center will produce high-quality, disease-free planting material, while private nurseries will also be supported to meet growing demand.
Strengthening Farmer Support and Insurance
Shri Chouhan revealed that farmers who have received land from the government but lack formal documents will be considered for benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. He also announced plans to implement the Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) to ensure horticultural crops are better covered under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
Enhancing Research, Storage, and Saffron Production
Responding to demands for a Regional Horticulture Centre in Jammu, Shri Chouhan said the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) would provide infrastructural support to Jammu Agricultural University. He also announced an extension of Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage duration from 18 to 24 months, with subsidy benefits up to 5,000 MT storage capacity, even for facilities exceeding this limit.
He further emphasized the symbolic and economic importance of Kashmiri saffron, announcing the establishment of a tissue culture lab and nursery to boost its cultivation. The National Saffron Mission will be restructured to better suit local needs, and a scientific task force will be formed to enhance productivity and reduce crop losses.
Infrastructure and Soil Health
To improve soil health and regulate fertilizer quality, Quality Control Laboratories will be established in Kathua, Baramulla, and Anantnag. Under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), efforts will also be made to improve irrigation infrastructure from canal to field.
The Minister also recalled Prime Minister Modi’s earlier announcement of over ₹4,200 crore under PM Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Phase IV, which aims to improve rural road connectivity. He lauded the fast progress by the J&K government and assured that construction in pending areas will commence shortly.
Rural Housing, Women Empowerment, and Employment
Noting the impressive implementation of PM Awas Yojana, Shri Chouhan said that 93% of houses have been completed. The remaining eligible applicants from a pool of 500,000 will be verified and provided housing.
Women-led Self-Help Groups under National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) are making remarkable strides, with many women now becoming Lakhpati Didis and even Millionaire Didis, earning over ₹10 lakh annually.
On the employment front, targets under MGNREGA will ensure job availability, and youth training programs are set to launch soon. Shri Chouhan also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that no eligible farmer is excluded from the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme.
A Joint Commitment to Progress
In conclusion, Shri Chouhan thanked the Chief Minister and praised the state’s proactive role in implementing central schemes. Reiterating Prime Minister Modi’s development agenda, he assured that the Union Government will leave no stone unturned in accelerating the growth and prosperity of Jammu & Kashmir.
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