STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: With over 70 per cent of Jammu and Kashmir’s population depending upon agriculture for its livelihood, the State needs to double its agriculture production including both horticulture and food grains from current level of about five million tonnes, according to a just concluded ASSOCHAM-RNCOS joint study.
The study was released by D.S Rawat, Secretary General, ASSOCHAM along with the chamber’s Cyber Security Council chief, Babu Lal Jain and Senior Director, O.S Tyagi at a press conference held, here on Tuesday.
Food and agro-based products attracted investments worth about Rs 233 crore as of 2015-16 i.e. which is less than even one per cent of the total outstanding investments worth about Rs two lakh crore attracted by J and K in various sectors both from public and private sources, Rawat said.
However, he added, investments attracted by food and agro-based industries in J and K increased almost 10 times from just over Rs 20 crore attracted by the state as of 2010-11, thereby showcasing the immense potential for growth in the sector.
Strengthening of dairy farms, genetic up-gradation of cattle through induction of genetic variability in female germ plasma and establishment of goat units are some of the key initiatives that can help boost dairy production in the state, he suggested.
Considering that fisheries sector holds significant potential in terms of promoting entrepreneurship, he also suggested that State Government should impart technical knowhow and apprise the fishermen community with latest equipment and techniques, modern prevalent practices to enhance fisheries production which reduced to 12,800 tonnes in 2014-15 from about 20,000 tonnes a year ago.
He also asked the State Government to include food and agro processing sector in thrust industries’ category and extend special incentives and bonuses.
Besides, he said, the State Government in tandem with private sector should set up strong infrastructure backed by efficient supply chains in food and agro processing sector to increase farmers’ income and promote employment opportunities in rural areas.
Apart from this, steps should be taken to encourage improved agronomic practices for higher farm productivity, improved soil treatment, increased water holding capacity, judicious use of chemicals and enhanced soil carbon storage, he said.
