In Jammu and Kashmir , small and marginal farmers, who form the backbone of agriculture, are finding new opportunities through Farmer Producer Organisations and contract farming. These approaches tackle issues like small landholdings, limited market reach, and price instability, aligning with J&K’s rich produce like apples, saffron, and walnuts.
FPOs enable farmers to unite, pool resources, and boost their income. In places like Anantnag, an FPO supports trout fish farmers with training and market links, while a women-led dairy FPO in Pulwama enhances local earnings. Through FPOs, farmers access cheaper inputs, improve bargaining power, and engage in value addition—grading and packaging fruits or processing saffron for better profits. Government schemes from NABARD and SFAC, aiming for 10,000 FPOs nationwide, provide financial aid and skills training, helping J&K farmers tap export markets for horticulture.
Contract farming offers stability by connecting farmers with buyers under pre-set price agreements. Suited for crops like basmati rice and vegetables, it ensures guaranteed sales, cutting risks of market swings. Farmers gain quality seeds, technical advice for sustainable practices, and reduced marketing costs, as buyers often manage logistics. Partnerships, like those with firms sourcing J&K’s produce for platforms like Amazon Fresh, are growing. Still, farmers should review contracts carefully to ensure fair terms.
J&K’s Holistic Agriculture Development Program supports these efforts with subsidies and mechanization. By adopting FPOs and contract farming, small farmers in J&K can achieve economies of scale, modernize practices, and secure better livelihoods.