SRINAGAR, August 14, 2025 – The Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP), a flagship initiative of the Jammu and Kashmir government, is empowering the region’s youth by providing sustainable livelihoods and countering the addictive allure of online gambling platforms. By generating nearly 300,000 jobs, HADP addresses the socio-economic vulnerabilities that drive young people toward compulsive betting apps.Threat of Online Gambling Online gambling platforms, with mechanics like fantasy team creation and real-time rewards, create dopamine-driven feedback loops akin to slot machines, fostering compulsive behavior. In Kashmir, where youth face high unemployment and limited recreational outlets, these apps exploit economic hardship and stress, diverting time from education and skill development.
A 2023 study noted a 30% surge in digital gaming in the region, with betting platforms posing significant financial risks.HADP’s Economic Impact HADP counters these risks through 29 projects in crop diversification, high-density fruit cultivation, beekeeping, sericulture, and fisheries, creating nearly 300,000 jobs and training over 12,000 individuals in modern farming techniques.
By promoting entrepreneurship and sustainable practices, the program offers stable livelihoods, reducing reliance on risky betting apps.Skill Development and Outreach HADP’s farmer orientation and skill development program has reached all districts, educating youth on modern agricultural methods and government schemes. Focusing on niche crops, farm mechanization, and food processing, it equips young people with marketable skills. The program’s integration of AI-driven farming solutions engages tech-savvy youth, redirecting their digital focus toward productive avenues.
Addressing Socio-Economic Challenges With a 23% unemployment rate and a history of conflict, Kashmir’s youth are vulnerable to gambling apps as a coping mechanism. HADP provides subsidies for agricultural ventures, ensuring long-term financial stability. Community leaders advocate for financial literacy programs to complement HADP, raising awareness about the risks of unregulated betting platforms.Complementary Initiatives HADP is bolstered by programs aiming to establish enterprises and create jobs over five years. Other initiatives have trained thousands in skills like IT and hospitality, offering alternatives to gambling. Community-driven recreational projects further reduce the appeal of addictive apps by providing constructive outlets.Path to Resilience Through economic self-reliance, skill development, and community awareness, HADP empowers Kashmiri youth to break free from gambling addiction.
Its focus on sustainable livelihoods offers a robust framework to protect young people from online betting’s perils, fostering a prosperous future.
