Srinagar , September 11, 2025- The three-day Apex Committee midterm review of the Holistic Agriculture Development Program concluded in Srinagar with Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo leading a dynamic brainstorming session to craft a transformative 25-year agricultural strategy for Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting, aimed at ensuring long-term prosperity and sustainability for the region’s agriculture sector, brought together key stakeholders to assess progress and outline a visionary roadmap.
Key Participants and Leadership
The review was attended by prominent figures, including:
- Dr. Mangla Rai, Chairman of the Apex Committee HADP, appointed by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
- Shailendra Kumar, Financial Secretary, Agriculture Production Department.
- Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K.
- BN Tripathi, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-J.
- Committee members, Principal Investigators of HADP projects, Directors of Line Departments, and SKUAST-K officers and faculty.
HADP’s Transformative Impact
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo highlighted HADP’s remarkable achievements over the past two years, underscoring its role in reshaping J&K’s agricultural landscape:
- Strengthened Seed Systems and Niche Crops: HADP has bolstered seed systems and enhanced the competitiveness of niche crop production, enabling farmers to tap into high-value markets.
- Climate-Resilient Varieties: The program has prioritized the development of crop varieties resilient to climate challenges, addressing environmental concerns.
- Value Chain Development: Improved market linkages and value chains have empowered farmers to maximize returns.
- Innovation and Technology: Adoption of modern technologies, including farm mechanization (74,448 approvals) and automation, has driven productivity.
- Youth Engagement: HADP has sparked significant interest among youth, steering them toward agriculture as a viable career path, moving away from traditional job pursuits.
- Increased Investment: A threefold increase in capital expenditure and substantial funding for research and development (R&D) at SKUAST-K and SKUAST-J have laid a strong foundation for long-term growth.
Atal Dulloo emphasized the need to expand HADP’s reach to underserved, far-flung areas of the Union Territory to ensure inclusive benefits across J&K.
Strategic Vision for the Future
The brainstorming session focused on a bold 25-year agricultural strategy, with key insights from stakeholders:
- Dr. Mangla Rai advocated for a visionary agriculture policy spanning the next 25 years, emphasizing prosperity and regional development. He stressed the importance of mapping all water bodies in J&K to promote sustainable practices and optimize resource use.
- Shailendra Kumar urged scientists to propose innovative ideas for HADP Phases II and III, envisioning a 15-20-year policy framework to sustain the program’s momentum.
- Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai described HADP as a transformative socio-development program, fostering economic progress and social upliftment in the region.
Key Data and Achievements
HADP’s impact is evident in its numbers and initiatives:
- Farmer Engagement: Since January 2025, farmer registrations have surged by 35% to over 3.01 lakh, with 4.92 lakh applications submitted and 3.48 lakh approved.
- DakshKisan Skilling Program: Over 2.35 lakh farmers have enrolled, with 1.95 lakh trained and 2.81 lakh courses completed, reflecting strong participation.
- Popular Schemes: Farm Mechanization, Fodder Resource Development (36,129 approvals), and Vegetable/Exotic Vegetable Promotion (33,202 approvals) have gained traction, particularly for high-value crops.
- Sustainability Initiatives: New tools like the Project Tracking System and OTA R&D tracking ensure streamlined approvals, subsidy disbursements, and research monitoring.
Chief Minister’s Commitment
In a separate meeting with the Apex Committee, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reaffirmed agriculture’s role as J&K’s economic backbone. He emphasized empowering farmers through modern inputs, credit, technology, and market access, while advocating for diversification, rural infrastructure, and support for small and marginal farmers.
Challenges and Recommendations
Despite its success, HADP faces challenges:
- Outreach Gaps: Some remote areas remain underserved, requiring targeted efforts.
- Execution and Coordination: Timely implementation and inter-departmental coordination are critical to maintaining momentum.
- Awareness: Intensified campaigns are needed to boost participation in rural areas.
- Recommendations : Include intensifying awareness through platforms like Block Diwas, simplifying application processes, establishing infrastructure like cold storage and agro-processing units, and continued investment in R&D for climate-resilient farming
.A Roadmap for Prosperity
The HADP midterm review has set a clear path for J&K’s agricultural future, blending immediate action with a long-term vision. By focusing on climate resilience, technological advancements, and inclusive growth, HADP is poised to transform J&K into a leader in sustainable agriculture. With stakeholder collaboration and a commitment to innovation, the program promises to enhance rural livelihoods, empower farmers, and drive economic prosperity for decades to come.For further details on specific HADP schemes or data, please let me know!
