Agri production to increase from 19.90 to 25.87 lakh MT in 5 years: Govt

Srinagar, Jan 02: The Union Territory administration anticipates a substantial growth in vegetable production from 19.90 lakh to 25.87 lakh MT over the next five years, making a step towards achieving self-reliance in vegetable production within the region.
As per the Situation Assessment Survey of Agriculture Households conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO), J&K ranks 5th in average monthly income per agriculture household (Rs. 18918) after Meghalaya (Rs. 29348), Punjab (Rs. 26701), Haryana (Rs. 22,841) and Arunachal Pradesh (Rs. 19225).
“J&K is progressing towards self-reliance in vegetables besides focusing on vegetable export to other neighbouring states/UTs as the production is expected to increase from 19.90 lakh MT to 25.87 lakh MT over next five years,” he said.
As per the report, the total area under fruit crops has increased by 6978 Ha (2.08%) and reached 3.42 Lakh Ha during 2020-21 and overall fruit production has recorded a growth of 3.95 LMTs (19.39%) and reached 24.31 LMTs during 2021-22.
“High Density Plantation has registered a growth of 591% during 2021-22 with coverage of 6090.91 Ha. Revenue earned from the export of fresh and dry fruits has recorded a growth of 27.12% during 2021-22 (Rs. 5010.1 Cr to Rs. 6369.08 Cr),” it said.
The report further says that the Horticulture sector contributes about 6-7% to the GSDP of the UT’s economy and is a source of livelihood for about 35 lakh souls (28% of the total population) generating about 8.50 crore man-days annually.
The government is putting efforts through the implementation of location-based innovative improved technologies by making the growers market leaders in high-quality produce, thereby, achieving the goal of doubling their income.
“Focus is also laid on increasing area under Commercial Floriculture which has reached 191.08 Ha and the flower growers have been able to generate Rs. 19.75 Crore income during 2021-22.”
Similarly, 19.16% growth has been recorded in Fish Production during 2021-22 (254.40 Th. Qtls from 213.50 Th. Qtls).
A Holistic Agriculture Development Plan has been developed comprising 29 Project Proposals recommended by the UT Level Apex Committee for its implementation in the next 5 years which have been proposed by Dr. Mangla Rai Committee having a financial commitment of Rs. 5012.74 crores.
“The expected outcome of these projects will be that gross agricultural output which is to the tune of Rs. 37559 Cr. per year will grow to Rs. 65701 Cr. per year over the next 5 years,” it said.
The report further says that the CAGR of Agriculture & Allied Sectors at the end of the project period shall grow to 11.08% from the current 2.02%, livelihood of 13 lakh farm families shall be secured with particular emphasis on 2.62 lakh marginal families.
“Rs. 28142 Cr shall be added to the GSDP of J&K annually, 18861 new business enterprises shall be created, additional jobs to the tune of 2,87,910 shall be created in the Agriculture & Allied Sectors, etc.
Recently, LG Manoj Sinha inaugurated the Rabi Campaign, emphasizing the administration’s steadfast commitment to revolutionizing farming practices.
He commended the transformative changes witnessed in the previous Rabi season, particularly the “yellow revolution” in Kashmir, where 1.4 lakh hectares embraced mustard cultivation.
Highlighting the impressive surge in Rabi cropping intensity, Lt. Governor Sinha revealed a harvest of 2027 metric tons of Rabi Crops in 2022-23, contributing to an estimated revenue of Rs. 5000 Crore.
With unwavering confidence in the exponential growth of the agriculture sector, he underscores its pivotal role in realizing the vision of “Viksit Bharat.”