Shopian, August 31, 2025 – In a significant initiative to bolster the agricultural economy of Jammu and Kashmir, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Shopian, in collaboration with the Agriculture and Allied Departments under the Jammu & Kashmir Comprehensive Integrated Project (JKCIP), organized a comprehensive Rural Credit Workshop today at Shopian. The event brought together a large number of farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), focusing on key areas such as credit access, value addition, market linkages, and available government schemes.Established by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), KVK Shopian serves as a vital hub for providing farmers with essential training, technical support, and innovative farming practices aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability. The Kendra specifically targets the unique agricultural ecosystem of Shopian district, fondly known as the “Apple Bowl of Kashmir” due to its prolific apple production and lush orchards that form the backbone of the local economy.
Through targeted programs including workshops, skill development sessions, and on-field demonstrations in horticulture, sheep farming, and sustainable agriculture, KVK Shopian empowers farmers and rural youth to adopt modern techniques and overcome challenges in the sector.The workshop underscored the importance of institutional credit in transforming rural livelihoods, with experts from allied departments and financial institutions guiding participants on accessing loans, insurance schemes, and entrepreneurial opportunities under JKCIP. Discussions highlighted strategies for value addition in apple and allied produce, strengthening market linkages to global standards, and leveraging UT Government schemes for socio-economic upliftment. Attendees engaged in interactive sessions, sharing experiences and seeking clarifications on credit-linked initiatives designed to promote climate-resilient farming and increase farm incomes.Shopian, also spelled Shupyan in Kashmiri, holds rich historical and cultural significance.
The district’s name is believed to derive from “shah-payan,” meaning “royal stay,” as noted by geologist Frederic Drew, or “Shin-Van,” translating to “snow forest” according to local folklore. Strategically located along the historic Mughal Road—an ancient trade route linking Lahore and Srinagar—Shopian has long been a gateway for commerce and cultural exchange in the Kashmir Valley. Today, its renowned apple orchards not only drive the economy but also symbolize the district’s enduring agricultural heritage.This Rural Credit Workshop aligns with broader efforts under Kisan Sampark Abhiyan, reflecting KVK Shopian’s commitment to grassroots-level interventions. Officials emphasized that such programs are crucial for bridging the gap between farmers and financial resources, fostering entrepreneurship, and ensuring sustainable development in the region. Participants expressed optimism about implementing the discussed strategies to enhance productivity and explore niche markets for high-value crops.
