Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 26: Flaying Government’s decision of transferring over 9,600 kanal land for 37 new industrial estates across the UT, J&K RTI Movement has claimed that this would be disastrous for the land deficit J&K as agriculture land holding is constantly decreasing and agri based economy is under a big threat here.
In a statement Movement Chairman, Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat said, as per 10th Agriculture Census of 2015-2016, the agricultural land holding in J&K was mere 0.59 hectares. This was a bit more (0.62 hectares) in 2011. The national average is around 1.08 hectares which is much higher comparatively. In Kashmir valley the land holding is around 0.45 hectares.
“Given this scenario any Government policy relating to agricultural land acquisition in J&K, including for development projects like setting up of industrial estates, has to take into account its unique natural and topographical features. In Jammu division, the bulk of agricultural activity takes place in the four districts-Jammu, Samba, Udhampur and Kathua where the average landholdings also range from 0.68 hectares to 0.90 hectares. The other districts-Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, Ramban, Doda and Kishtwar are largely hilly, offering only limited cultivation possibilities,” Dr. Bhat said.
He further said that it is advisable that the Government should create green skill jobs by increasing subsidies in dairy farming, sheep farming, vegetable growing, apple and fruit cultivation plus growing of exotic flowers and herbs for medicinal and aromatic purposes.
“On 9,600 kanal land instead of setting factories, the government can set up 100’s of agri based farms,” he maintained and appealed to the LG and Chief Secretary to revisit the decision.
Follow our WhatsApp channel