Srinagar | July 3, 2025 – Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan conducted a comprehensive review of agriculture and rural development initiatives in Jammu & Kashmir( j&k)during a high-level meeting with Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah at the State Secretariat. The review focused on accelerating growth in agriculture, improving rural livelihoods, and enhancing infrastructure in alignment with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’.
₹150-Crore Clean Plant Center Announced for Srinagar
In a significant move to support horticulture, the Union Minister announced the establishment of a ₹150-crore Clean Plant Center in Srinagar under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). This center will address the critical issue of plant diseases caused by infected imported materials and will ensure disease-free planting stock for key crops like apples, almonds, walnuts, and berries. Private nurseries will also be supported to increase the availability of high-quality planting material.
PM-KISAN and Crop Insurance to Cover More Farmers
Shri Chouhan also declared that farmers who received land allotments from the government but lack formal documentation would be considered for inclusion under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. Additionally, the government will soon launch the Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) to ensure better risk coverage for horticulture crops under the PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
ICAR Infrastructure Support and Regional Horticulture Center in Jammu
Responding to local demands, Shri Chouhan announced that ICAR would support the Jammu Agricultural University in setting up a Regional Horticulture Center. Storage infrastructure for Controlled Atmosphere (CA) facilities will be expanded, and subsidies will be provided for up to 5,000 MT capacity—supporting even those with 6,000 MT facilities.
An MoU between ICAR and the university is also on the cards to boost collaboration in horticulture education and innovation.
Boost for Kashmiri Saffron: New Lab and Revised Mission
Recognizing saffron as a cultural and economic symbol of Kashmir, the Minister unveiled plans for a tissue culture lab and nursery for saffron. The National Saffron Mission will be revised to suit local agro-climatic conditions, and an expert committee will work on productivity enhancement and reduction in post-harvest losses.
Quality Control Labs and Irrigation Expansion
To improve soil health and fertilizer regulation, Quality Control Laboratories will be established in Kathua, Baramulla, and Anantnag. Under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), efforts will also be directed toward bridging irrigation gaps from canals to farmlands.
Road Infrastructure Under PMGSY Phase IV
Shri Chouhan reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to rural infrastructure, highlighting the ₹4,200 crore allocation under Phase IV of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). He praised the progress made by the J&K government and said construction will soon begin in remaining areas.
Rural Housing, Employment, and Women Empowerment
The Minister shared that 93% of the houses under PM Awas Yojana have already been completed in J&K. The remaining eligible beneficiaries—identified from over 5 lakh applicants—will be verified and allotted homes soon.
He also emphasized empowering women through Self Help Groups under NRLM, with many rising to become Lakhpati Didis and Millionaire Didis, some earning over ₹10 lakh annually.
To tackle rural unemployment, youth skill development programs will be launched, and job creation targets have been set under MGNREGA. Every eligible farmer will also be ensured access to the Kisan Credit Card scheme.
A Vision for a Prosperous J&K
In conclusion, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan reiterated the government’s pride in the progress achieved and its unwavering commitment to furthering the welfare of farmers and rural communities in Jammu & Kashmir. He thanked Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for the state’s cooperation and reaffirmed that Jammu & Kashmir’s development is integral to the vision of a developed India.
for more details, check press release on PIB website.
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