Jammu, July 27,2026- The Jammu & Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement in Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP) is helping farmers overcome water scarcity through the installation of subsidised borewells, enabling them to improve irrigation facilities, increase crop production, and enhance their income.
Implemented by the Agriculture Department, the JKCIP scheme is designed to strengthen agricultural infrastructure by promoting efficient irrigation practices and helping farmers tackle the growing challenges posed by water shortages and climate variability.
Under the scheme, farmers are provided borewells at a 50 per cent subsidy, significantly reducing the financial burden of installing irrigation infrastructure. The total cost of a borewell is ₹6 lakh, of which the Agriculture Department provides ₹3 lakh as subsidy, while the beneficiary contributes the remaining ₹3 lakh.
According to officials, around 50 farmers in the Jammu region benefited from the scheme last year, and another 50 farmers are expected to receive borewell facilities during the current year, further expanding irrigation coverage in water-stressed agricultural areas.
Among the beneficiaries is Kamlesh Kumar Sharma, a farmer from Purkho, Jammu, who said the borewell has transformed his farming operations by ensuring a reliable source of water for irrigation. He noted that timely availability of water has resolved long-standing irrigation issues, allowing him to cultivate crops on schedule and significantly improve farm productivity.
Speaking about the initiative, Director Agriculture, Anil Gupta, said the scheme is proving to be a game changer for farmers facing water scarcity. He explained that access to assured irrigation enables cultivators to diversify into high-value crops, particularly vegetables, which offer better market returns and higher profitability.
He added that improved irrigation facilities are not only increasing agricultural productivity but are also enhancing farmers’ incomes by reducing dependence on erratic rainfall and improving crop quality and yields.
The JKCIP scheme forms part of the government’s broader efforts to modernise agriculture, strengthen climate resilience, and promote sustainable farming practices across Jammu & Kashmir. By investing in irrigation infrastructure, the initiative is helping farmers adopt scientific cultivation methods, improve water-use efficiency, and ensure year-round agricultural production.
Officials said the department will continue extending the benefits of the scheme to more eligible farmers, contributing to higher agricultural output, improved livelihoods, and greater resilience against climate-related challenges.
The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to empowering farmers through infrastructure development, financial assistance, and sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring long-term growth and prosperity for the farming community in Jammu & Kashmir.
