Being self reliant
Post covid-19 the world is witnessing various unusual trends. Not only has the pandemic shaped up new options for various sectors including the economy but it has made us to learn various lessons as well.
One such lesson is being self reliant in some key sectors which include food and eatables. Ironically, Kashmir valley is dependent on its supplies from various parts of India as the area has proven itself to be a consumer state rather than a producing one. For our daily needs like fruits and vegetables and other eatables we have left ourselves on the mercy of outside states we import around three lakh metric ton vegetables alone every year. This quantity is however, growing in number and size with every passing day.
The past few years, especially the last decade has put up a harsh fact that we are increasing our dependency for essential commodities on outside supplies. This includes vegetables and fruits besides mutton, poultry and other products.
Going by the pace of imports and increased demand of supplies every year experts believe that in 2025 the demand of vegetables in Kashmir would get doubled than what was the requirement in 2000.
Despite the mammoth import of vegetables to Kashmir the per capita availability of vegetables is less than the prescribed requirement of 200 grams per person per day. This means that if the health consciousness among the people in the valley rises, the imports will witness a quantum jump and thereby increasing our dependence too.
Experts fear that the increasing dependency of vegetables on outside supplies is draining the economy. They attributed the rising imports of vegetables to conversion of farmland for non-farm purposes, increasing value of real estate assets and lack of facilities for farmers.
Besides, JK’s planning department and those connected with Agricultural activities do not lay enough thrust on increasing the local produce here. The farming sector is still practicing the age old techniques and no new or modern farming practices are being put into vogue in the Kashmir valley. In addition no fresh farm land is being converted into multiple farming activity zones and no avenues for increasing the irrigational facilities to Karewas are being planned.
This is evident from the fact that the agriculture share to the state gross domestic product has declined by over 13 per cent over the years. Figures suggest that the share of agriculture and allied activities to GSDP has come down from 28.06 per cent in 2004-05 to around 14 per cent in 2017- 18. The figures have witnessed further slide over the years.
The agricultural yield over the years has shown a decline as compared to other neighbouring areas. These states though being dependent on water from this region have been showing an upward trend in its agricultural output but we being a water resourceful region are not able to harness the potential on professional lines.
Agricultural activity over the years has become relatively less remunerative due to unfavourable price regime and low value addition, this being the reason that no one even among the educated and unemployed youth is willing to take up this activity for commercial gains. However, the situation demands that a fresh view is taken over the issue and agricultural produce needs to be increased to cater to the local needs and demands.
KV Network
