Rakesh Magotra
J&K and Ladakh present a unique and diverse agricultural landscape. From the lush orchards of the Kashmir Valley to the fertile plains of Jammu and the rugged terrains of Ladakh, agriculture remains the backbone of livelihoods here. Horticulture, particularly apple cultivation, contributes significantly to the economy of J&K, with the UT producing nearly 77% of India’s apples and accounting for 8% of its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). Meanwhile, Jammu is a hub for basmati rice and dairy farming and Ladakh is carving a niche with products like apricots and sea buckthorn.
The horticulture potential of the Jammu division is immense and often underexplored. The region is well-suited for the cultivation of guava, mango, citrus fruits, litchi and ber, which thrive in the sub-tropical climate of the plains and foothills. Additionally, Jammu’s hilly areas have shown promise in the cultivation of walnut, pecan nut, kiwi and olive. Promoting high-density plantation models for these crops can replicate the success seen in Kashmir’s apple orchards, diversifying income sources and creating opportunities for value-added processing, such as fruit pulp and juice production. With adequate investment in infrastructure, market linkagesand farmer training, Jammu has the potential to emerge as a major player in India’s horticulture sector.
The implementation of the Holistic Agriculture Development Plan (HADP) by the UT government has begun to address these challenges head-on. Under this ambitious initiative, the focus has been on promoting high-density apple orchards, establishing value chains and enhancing market linkages. High-density apple farming has been a particular success story, increasing yields from 10 metric tons per hectare to 30-40 metric tons per hectare and boosting farmer incomes from ?6.0 lakh to ?15 lakh per hectare annually. In Jammu, efforts are being made to elevate basmati rice cultivation through GI tagging and integrated processing, while the Dairy Development Mission aims to modernize milk production and processing facilities.
The exemplary role of Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary Agriculture Production has been pivotal in transforming the agricultural landscape of Jammu & Kashmir. The JKUT administration’s approach under the Holistic Agriculture Development Plan (HADP) has ensured a seamless convergence of policy, technology,Financial institutions and grassroots initiatives, catalysing growth in agriculture, horticulture, dairy and allied sectors. The emphasis on targeted interventions, such as high-density apple farming, cluster based approach, rural business services hubs and value chain development, has set a benchmark for agricultural reforms in the UT. The administration has spearheaded the implementation of agribusiness-centric policies, fostering innovation and inclusivity. The relentless focus on empowering small and marginal farmers through digital solutions, market linkages and infrastructure development has the potential to significantly enhance farmer incomes and productivity.
Concomitantly, Ladakh with its unique geographical conditions, is making strides in agribusiness through cold-resistant crops, solar-powered storage units and value addition for apricots,sea buckthorn& protected Vegetable cultivation. Farmers in the region are increasingly adopting modern farming& irrigation techniques, supported by targeted government interventions and collaborations with private enterprises. Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Many farmers still struggle with access to credit, limited digital adoption and post-harvest losses due to insufficient infrastructure.
The role of J&K Bank in driving agribusiness transformation across the region cannot be overstated. As the leading financial institution in the twin UTs, J&K Bank has consistently supported the agricultural sector through innovative financial products and partnerships. The bank has been instrumental in expanding the reach of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, ensuring timely and hassle-free access to credit for farmers. In line with HADP objectives, J&K Bank has also introduced tailored financing solutions for high-density orchards and cold storage infrastructure.
Moreover, the bank is actively collaborating with government agencies and private enterprises to strengthen value chains for crops like apples, saffron, basmati and walnuts. By financing infrastructure projects such as Cold chains, Hitech Nurseries, food processing units and rural logistics hubs, J&K Bank is helping to minimize post-harvest losses and improve market access. The bank’s role extends beyond credit; it has been a key player in promoting financial literacy among farmers, organizing workshops on loan management, digital banking and agribusiness transition.
J&K Bank’s digital initiatives, including mobile banking and digital KCC, have significantly enhanced financial inclusion in remote areas of J&K and Ladakh. These platforms enable farmers to access credit, track transactionsand connect with markets seamlessly. Additionally, the bank should make efforts to collaborate with SKUAST and other institutions in J&K and Ladakh to create and supportagritech startups through funding and mentorship programs to foster innovation, particularly in precision farming and supply chain optimization.
It is clear that the transition from traditional agriculture to agribusiness is no longer just an idea-it is a reality in the making. The progress achieved so far in J&K and Ladakh serves as an example of what is possible when government policy, financial support and grassroots innovation come together. However, to truly unlock the potential of agribusiness in these regions, it is crucial to build on this momentum by strengthening value chains, promoting agritech startups and addressing the persistent credit gap.
As we honor the hard work and resilience of our farmers, we must remember that the future of Indian agriculture depends on empowering them with the mechanization, knowledge and resources to succeed. The seeds of agribusiness sown today will bear fruit for generations to come, transforming not just rural livelihoods but the entire economic landscape of our region.
(The Author is a DGM in JK Bank)
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