Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Passes Grants for Rural Development and Agriculture
The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly recently approved grants totaling millions of rupees for various sectors including Rural Development, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Horticulture, Fisheries, Cooperatives, and the Election department. The grants were passed after extensive discussions by the Legislators.
Rural Development and Agriculture: Backbone of Jammu and Kashmir’s Economy
Minister Javid Ahmed Dar highlighted the importance of agriculture and allied sectors as the lifeline of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy. He emphasized their role in providing livelihoods, generating employment, ensuring food security, and promoting economic development.
According to Minister Dar, agriculture and allied activities contribute significantly to the state’s economy, with horticulture being a key player. Livestock and core agriculture also play crucial roles in ensuring food security and sustaining traditional cropping systems.
The government has been focusing on strengthening agricultural infrastructure and empowering farmers through various schemes. Initiatives like the High-Density Plantation Scheme, Integrated Dairy Development Scheme, Integrated Sheep Development Scheme, and Integrated Poultry Development Programme are being implemented to modernize production systems and promote rural enterprises.
Transformative Interventions Driving Real Change
The government’s efforts have led to measurable outcomes, such as an increase in the net cultivable area and improved cropping intensity. Initiatives like vertical farming, protected cultivation, and oilseed promotion have shown significant results in increasing production and creating new income opportunities for farmers.
Other successful initiatives include the promotion of apiculture, mushroom cultivation, and high-density plantations. The government’s focus on establishing quality planting material facilities and gene banks is ensuring the preservation of horticultural biodiversity for future generations.
Empowering Rural Communities Through Development Initiatives
Minister Dar also highlighted the government’s commitment to rural development through initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), and Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin. These programs aim to create employment opportunities, improve housing security, and enhance sanitation facilities in rural areas.
Under schemes like Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (HIMAYAT–DDU-GKY), the government has been focusing on skill development, land treatment, and rural youth employability.
The department is also working on promoting entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and economic empowerment through initiatives like SHGs, financial strengthening measures, and enterprise support programs.
Future Plans for Rural Development and Cooperative Sector
Looking ahead, the government plans to establish Viksit Villages in each Legislative Constituency, develop cooperative ecosystems, and promote value addition in agriculture. Initiatives like the establishment of Micro Food Processing Units, expansion of dairy and sheep sectors, and formation of rural clusters aim to further enhance rural livelihoods and economic growth.
The cooperative movement in Jammu and Kashmir will continue to play a vital role in promoting inclusive growth and rural development. The government is committed to strengthening primary agricultural credit societies, modernizing infrastructure, and promoting value addition in agriculture to create employment opportunities and boost rural economies.
Overall, the government’s focus on rural development, agriculture, and cooperative sectors reflects a comprehensive approach towards achieving sustainable economic growth and empowering rural communities in Jammu and Kashmir.
