Prachi, Amisha Mohan
Jammu and Kashmir budget 2024-25 is a reflection of diverse aspirations of the people. With its growth- oriented approach, the budget presented by Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman on 5th February, 2024 depicts myriad sector- specific development to accelerate the growth of the economy. The budget proposed Rs 1.18 lakh crore for fiscal year 2024-25 for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
India, being an agrarian economy, the government has given special attention to the agricultural sector through the budget. Agriculture and allied sectors have received an allocation of approximately Rs 2029.95 crore under capital expenditure for the fiscal year 2024-25, which is Rs. 500.89 crore higher than the revised allocation for 2023-24.
The achievement of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory in securing the third best position in the monthly income of the agriculture households and gaining the tag of the fifth best performing state/ union territory in agriculture and allied sectors is a clear reflection of the active efforts undertaken by the Government to leverage the resources of the region. Furthermore, the construction of 75 Amrit Sarovars in each district has aided the union territory in stimulating the water resources for agriculture and domestic use.
Provisions for Agriculture and allied sector
The government has laid special emphasis on the agriculture sector. With the establishment of 2000 Kisan Khidmat Ghars (KKGs), the government aims to establish a ONE STOP CENTRE to avail diverse services related to agriculture. Moreover, an approx value of USD 100 million loan from International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) would act as a stepping stone to boost the agriculture related projects in Jammu and Kashmir. The project aims to improve farming operations’ competitiveness and increase income for rural households over time.
For ameliorating irrigation facilities in the region, the Union Finance Minister has highlighted that around 283 borewells would be constructed and 520 irrigation pumps would be distributed. The Government has emphasised on bringing all farming land under two crop patterns. This portrays the idea that the government is trying to ensure enhancement of the total crop production and optimum use of available resources.
The Government also aims to set up around 4500 dairy units and 3000 sheep units, which would aid in the direct employment of around 12000 people. The budget has also focused on allied sectors which include provision of increase in milk production from 25 to 45 Lakh Metric Tonnes over a period of five years, enhancement of fish production from 30670 MT to 35250 MT with technological interventions, production of designer plants to foster high density plantation, establishment of dry fruit processing units to accelerate employment generation in Jammu and Kashmir economy. To add to the income of apple growers, the Government has added more than 12000 hectare area under high density fruit plantation. Moreover, the ‘PARVAZ’ scheme would turn out to be a fruitful step for linking requisite markets and supporting air transportation to specific perishable fruits and vegetables. The Electronic National Agricultural Market (e-NAM) scheme would also provide an edge to the farming community by real time price discovery for better and stable price realization for producers and facilitate online payment to the farmers.
Convergence of diverse domains to
amplify agriculture sector
Water Supply and Irrigation
The government has highlighted that 78 major medium irrigation schemes would be completed and 297 Minor Irrigation Schemes would be accentuated, which would create 250 hectare of irrigation potential and 2400 hectare of irrigation capacity respectively. Provision for completion of around 51 schemes under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana – Har Khet Ko Pani (PMKSY – HKKP) and 12 schemes under National Bank for Agriculture and
Rural Development (NABARD) loan assistance during the period 2024-25 have been underscored. The Shahpur Kandi Dam, scheduled to open in 2024-25 would also upscale the water facilities for 32173 hectare of land in Kathua and Samba.
Forestry & Environment
The Government has also catered to the aspirations of the farmers by allocating the provision of distribution of 10 lakh saplings of local, medicinal and economic importance to them. This initiative of the government would supplement forests and improve the quality of life of the dwellers.
Science & Technology
The Government has reinforced the agricultural sector through the Science & Technology domain as well. The Government has emphasised that 4000 AC agriculture pumps would be replaced by solar pumps in a phased manner under PM-KUSUM, Component “C”, which would be a more sustainable and versatile option for farmers. This initiative of the Government is an exemplary step in the direction of Green & Clean energy.
Other Schemes & Programmes
Complementing Agricultural Development in Jammu & Kashmir
Agriculture plays a pivotal role in steering the development of Jammu and Kashmir, thereby accelerating march towards economic prosperity and social welfare. A major section, around 80 percent of the villagers are directly dependent on agriculture for their livelihood which makes it one of the key sectors providing large scale employment in the rural area. Schemes such as PM KISAN (a financial benefit of Rs 6000 per year is provided to the farmer’s family in three equal instalments), MIDH (focus on the holistic growth of the horticulture sector), PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (support is provided to the Individual Micro Food Processing Enterprises), etc adds an edge to the magnification of agriculture
sector. Holistic Agriculture Development Projects (HADP) are being implemented in the Union Territory with an aim to transform the rural economy in a big way, within a short time; no doubt, a strong hand holding support by scientists and extension experts and all related departments is consistently required.
An array of crops such as rice, maize, fruits and vegetables are grown in Kashmir region while rice/basmati rice, maize, wheat, millets, vegetables in Jammu region comprise a major portion of the food crops. With the geo- climatic conditions being suitable for agriculture, a way is paved for the farmers to leverage this pre- requisite condition in enhancing the productivity and thereby contributing significantly to the GDP of the country.
Conclusion
The Union Territory Government has undertaken crucial reforms in agriculture and allied sectors which would elevate the stipulated domains of the Indian economy. By strongly investing in quality seeds, focus on farm mechanization, high density plantation, cold storages and farmers insurance, the Government tends to foster agricultural abundance and ensure greater efficiency in management of inputs, resources and products, including marketing and post harvest management. The allocation of Rs. 5013 crore under the ‘Holistic Agriculture Development Programme’ streamlines towards improving agricultural productivity. This programme would bolster the Indian economy, upscale the sectoral growth rate to 11%, aid in employment generation for over 2.87 lakh youth and establish around 19000 enterprises within the next five years.
The 2024-25 budget for Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory in the agricultural domain would mould the agri-food ecosystem, sustainable food systems, pilot new technologies that would enhance the efficiency of the farming practices, thereby ensuring its overall development.
(The authors are the students of Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Jammu)
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