J&K Assembly passes Rs 9,953 crore grants for seven key departments

Jammu — The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Monday passed grants amounting to over Rs 9,953.08 crore for seven key departments, including agriculture and horticulture.
The government is complementing its ongoing investments in infrastructure with a stronger emphasis on beneficiary-oriented schemes, ensuring that farmers directly benefit from targeted interventions.
The grants, introduced by Minister for Agriculture Production Javid Ahmad Dar in the Assembly, included Rs 2,583.69 crore for the agriculture production department, Rs 1,228.99 crore for the animal and sheep husbandry department, Rs 225.24 crore for the fisheries department, Rs 4,754.85 crore for the rural development department, Rs 704.29 crore for the horticulture department, Rs 359.60 crore for the election department and Rs 96.42 crore for the cooperatives department.
During discussions, Dar emphasized that agriculture and allied sectors are the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, contributing Rs 37,559 crore, which accounts for 18 per cent of the State’s Gross Domestic Product (SGDP).
“The horticulture sector leads the way, contributing 41 per cent of this amount, reaffirming J&K’s dominance in high-value fruit production,” he told the house while replying to the grants of his departments. The livestock sector plays a crucial role, contributing 33 per cent to the economy, while core agricultural activities make up 25 per cent, demonstrating the region’s diverse and resilient agrarian economy,” he added.
Dar highlighted the government’s focus on beneficiary-oriented schemes, ensuring that farmers receive direct benefits from targeted interventions.
“One such initiative is the High-Density Plantation (HDP) scheme, which has already brought 836 hectares under high-density orchards, including 174 hectares covered in the current financial year. With a Rs 30 crore budget allocation for 2024-25, this initiative is driving higher productivity, increased farmer income, and long-term sustainability in the horticulture sector,” he added.
The minister said 3,220 dairy units were established in 2024-25 under the Integrated Dairy Development Scheme, generating employment for nearly 5,000 people. Similarly, 2,170 units were set up under the integrated sheep development scheme in the same period, he added.
He said that agriculture in the UT is shifting from a produce-focused to a producer-centric approach. “There are 29 projects under HADP (Holistic Agriculture Development Programme), spanning all sectors within the agriculture production department, driving a fundamental transformation in J&K’s agri-economy”.
The minister highlighted significant strides in horticulture, particularly in the expansion of high-density (HD) plantations.
“The government is developing rootstock banks and mother orchards to support the growth of HD plantations across 5,500 hectares under project 21 of HADP,” he stated.
During 2024-25, the government promoted protected cultivation, with 9,083 square meters already developed for rootstock production, he added. Additionally, 45 hectares have been designated as mother orchards, while 18.6 hectares are being cultivated for rootstock production.
Dar also outlined a phased assistance disbursement plan to address setbacks in traditional orchards due to reduced farmer engagement post-financial support.
He announced 50 per cent assistance will be given after plantation, 30 per cent will be provided upon sprouting and the final 20 per cent will be disbursed after one year, if survival reaches 90 per cent.