Land being a limited resource in Jammu and Kashmir a very high priority therefore, be given to explore possibilities and potentialities of crop diversification in different agro-climatic zones with a view to maximising the return per unit area of the land to the farmer, consistent with ecological and environmental considerations. In this direction Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti calling for achievable targets for a quick turnaround in the sector with an aim of making the State self-sufficient in farm produce is a welcome step. As a testament to the fertility of the land for certain kind of crops, she suggested popularising the concept of model villages for Basmati, Mushkbudgi, apple, saffron and walnut to set the agriculture sector rolling on the path of recovery. The Chief Minister called for fundamental change in the working of the department so that shortage of food-grains is met by becoming self-sufficient in agriculture production. She asked the officers in the department not to confine themselves to routine administrative work, mostly restricting themselves to distribution of seeds and fertilisers only and not ignore the more important component of extension work and demonstration of technology to the farmers. Unless the technology travels from laboratory to farms, there is very little we can do to enhance crop output. We need to show visibility of schemes by ensuring access of quality seeds, irrigation and power to the farming community in an absolutely hassle-free manner, she said. Indicating a tie-up between the farmers and the agriculture entrepreneurs, Mehbooba said the job of the department is to increase productivity so that there is corresponding rise in the farmers’ income. Use of hybrid varieties in order to break yield barriers, suitable technological packages including choice of crops, varieties and the requisite inputs to ensure high productivity with elastic cropping mechanism, the pattern of incentives in these areas and input packages tailored should suit the changing needs. Not only this diversified and value-added agriculture system shall be advocated alongwith rain water management including in situ- moisture conservation, water harvesting and recycling. With the changing needs and rising food requirements agriculture has to be on scientific scale with economies of growth has to be maintained so that it becomes one of the main economic activity for the farmers.
