Importance of agriculture
Agriculture sector in Jammu and Kashmir holds immense potential and requires focused attention. The sector has the prospect to turn the region into a self-sufficient zone with least dependence on the centre for almost all its needs and requirements.
One such progressive scheme that has helped to turn the agricultural sector into a blooming model is the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP).
HADP is a comprehensive initiative launched by the Government with a total outlay of ₹5,013 crore. This programme aims to transform the agricultural economy of the region by promoting sustainability, resilience, and income-generating livelihoods for over 13 lakh farm families.
As of now the HADP has emerged as a key driver of agricultural transformation in Jammu and Kashmir, with more than 92,000 units established across the Union Territory.
With a total outlay of Rs 5,013 crore and 29 interlinked projects spanning agriculture, horticulture and livestock sectors, the flagship programme was launched in March 2024.
It is designed with a clear objective — to transition agriculture from subsistence-driven practices to sustainable, resilient and income-generating livelihoods, the officials said.
Agriculture and allied sectors are the backbone of Jammu & Kashmir’s rural economy, supporting over 13 lakh families and contributing nearly one-fifth of the region’s gross state value added.
On ground, more than 92,000 productive units covering farms, nurseries, livestock units, mushroom cultivation, poultry and value-addition enterprises have already been established, with over 86,000 units actively tracked through digital dashboards.
Agriculture will not only help the region to grow economically, but the sector also opens significant opportunities for industrial growth, both in the Jammu and Kashmir valley as such.
Therefore, resorting to various scientific and new methods of enhancing agricultural activity in the region has to be prioritised. 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
