Srinagar, March 11, 2025 – Zubair Ahmed Sohil, a prominent voice in Jammu and Kashmir’s agricultural community, has lauded Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for earmarking ₹815 crore under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme in the 2025-26 Budget. This significant allocation, unveiled in the Union Territory’s first budget in seven years on March 7, promises to turbocharge the region’s farming sector with enhanced access to modern machinery, equipment, and high-quality seeds.
Sohil expressed his gratitude, stating, “This move will revolutionize agriculture across J&K, driving better production and uplifting farmers’ livelihoods.” The ₹1.12 lakh crore budget, presented by CM Abdullah, underscores a commitment to economic revival, with agriculture as a cornerstone. The HADP funding is expected to bolster initiatives like farm mechanization, niche crop cultivation, and skill development, aligning with the programme’s ambitious goals of creating 2.8 lakh jobs and 19,000 agri-enterprises, as reported by Kashmir Life in January.
The announcement comes amid a thriving tourism season in Srinagar, but agriculture remains the backbone of J&K’s economy. Earlier reports, such as one from Organiser.org in May 2023, projected that HADP could double the region’s agricultural output. With subsidies already disbursed for 11,000 units and training underway for 2.5 lakh individuals, per Kashmir Life, the fresh infusion of ₹815 crore signals a robust push to modernize farming practices.
Farmers and stakeholders are optimistic, expecting improved yields and sustainability. “From machinery to seeds, this is a game-changer for all of J&K,” Sohil added, echoing the sentiment of a sector poised for transformation.