Climate Smart Agriculture
Jammu and Kashmir is contemplating to establish the Himalayan Centre of Excellence for Dry land Agriculture. The move is envisioned as a landmark initiative to position the region as a leader in climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture.
The proposed Centre will serve as a hub for research, innovation and technology dissemination suited to the unique agro-ecological conditions of the Himalayan region. Its focus areas will include development of climate-resilient crop varieties, strengthening decentralized seed systems, promoting regenerative and dryland farming practices and advancing soil and water conservation besides enhancing farmer-centric value chains.
Around the globe the focus of agriculture is shifting towards Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA). This form of agricultural practice is an approach to manage agricultural systems that simultaneously boosts productivity, enhances resilience, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Notably, Jammu and Kashmir’s agriculture sector significantly contributes to the region’s economy. According to recent data, the primary sector, which includes agriculture, forestry, and fishing, accounts for approximately 20 percent of the Gross GDP.
While agriculture, forestry and fishing contributed around 18.12% to the GDP in 2023-24, with crops accounting for 9.95% and livestock for 5.79%, the agricultural sector has shown steady growth, with food crop production increasing by 7.12% from 19,515 thousand quintals to 20,904 thousand quintals. Vegetable production has also reached 520 thousand quintals in 2023-24, nearing self-sufficiency.
However, some experts argue that agriculture’s contribution to J&K’s GDP has been declining. Despite this, the sector remains crucial for the region’s economy and provides employment to a significant portion of the population
In this backdrop the move to kick-start CSA in Jammu and Kashmir will help farmers adapt to climate change, ensuring food security and sustainable development.
Since CSA is based on scientific techniques and methodologies it enhances agricultural productivity and profitability while minimizing environmental impact. Besides, by implementing the scientific techniques and procedures farmers can cope with climate-related stresses and shocks.
Importantly, CSA practices can prove to be a boon for major crops in the region as many natural products here are facing extinction owing to various drawbacks and lacunas.
However, CSA will focus on growing crops that can withstand temperature and precipitation extremes, pests, and diseases.
There is a high probability that CSA practices not only boost crop yields and improve food security, but helps the farmers adapt to promote ecosystem-based approaches to enhance resilience in agricultural systems.
