Agriculture has been the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir from pre-independence days and much has not changed on agricultural front but still agricultural share in Jammu and Kashmir’s economy is staggering and almost 70 percent population is associated with agriculture or associated traits, one way or other. The agriculture income right now is Rs37,600 crores but is stagnant for quite some time. Fact is rural India is the backbone of India and without strengthening rural economy UT economy cannot grow at the expected rate. GoI throughout India is continuously evolving schemes to get farmers’ income doubled and LG Administration of Jammu and Kashmir is not far behind in this endeavor. An Apex Committee was formed with top brains from Agriculture and Allied Sectors along with planning and statistics persons, even farmers’ representatives were part of the committee and in record five months 29 points comprehensive plan to achieve 11% annual growth in agricultural sector has been formulated. It’s a holistic plan to improve agriculture produce, focus on farming and allied sectors to generate additional income from agricultural waste as well as other sectors dependent on agriculture. Specific aim is to have trained manpower in seed production, seasonal high value vegetable farming, bee rearing, cocoon farming, integrated and organic agriculture, high density fruit farming, dairying, sheep and poultry farming and more importantly fodder production. Two Agricultural Universities of Jammu and Kashmir can play the pivotal role in new high yield varieties, new innovative ways of farming, better seed production and special modern ways of poultry farming and of course expertise in dairy farming with proper guidance for high milk yield bovine animals and specific scientific way outs for their healthy upkeep. Plan is to focus on establishment of self sustainable small industries based on agricultural waste like fodder for poultry, honey, juice plant, seed production, milk related products to name a few.
Simultaneous plan is to have sustainable growth of Panchayats as without proper set system at panchayat level all these schemes are of no use as parallel infra development is as important as farming. Augmentation of water resources for poultry and dairy farming is a must. Electricity and roads are other factors and focus on solar energy will be key at panchayat level. Panchayat of Palli stands as an example how on ground Solar Power Plant, first panchayat in India to have it, is the game changer in present scenario. Special grants for panchayats which are not able to perform to make them grow at par with others is key factor. A 100 point set parameters are already in place to measure panchayat’s performance. They will be made to achieve 100% target on soil health cards, land pass books, kissan credit cards, shram cards, birth and vaccination of children, zero percent school drop out, solid waste management aadhaar seeding, MGNREGA cards, Ayushman cards to name a few. Task is huge no doubt but has to be done.
Next block in growth chain are small towns and municipalities of these play the crucial role in these schemes. Municipality Development Index is already in place and on basis of performance of municipalities grants will be provided to make them perform better, plug the loopholes, let them grow to next level of Smart Cities. Vision of GoI and LG administration is in sync, to develop Jammu and Kashmir at grass root level through panchayats and local bodies as they are the most important two wheels of rural prosperity and holistic development. Quality of life, economic capability, technology adoption, planning and performance are key factors to watch and administration through various schemes is trying it’s best to uplift each and every section of society, aim is to make life better for every citizen. Each and every stake holder must understand the principle of responsibility as government can announce schemes and incentives but ultimate it’s for public to participate and take benefit. Efforts are on to double the income and collective strides of progress are achievable with rock solid determination only.
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