Dulloo direcs implementation, timely realization of project outcomes
Srinagar: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, on Tuesday chaired a high-level review meeting with the visiting International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Supervision Mission, led by its Country Coordinator, Meera Mishra, to assess the progress achieved under the Jammu & Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP), a flagship initiative jointly financed by IFAD, the Government of India and Government of Jammu & Kashmir.
The IFAD Supervision Mission, presently on a two-week visit to the Union Territory from 2nd to 14th July, 2026, is undertaking an extensive field appraisal across Jammu and Kashmir to obtain a first-hand assessment of the implementation, quality and impact of interventions executed under the project.
The meeting was attended by senior officers of the Agriculture Production Department including ACS, APD; MD, HADP; Project Management Unit (JKCIP), and other stakeholders associated with the implementation of the project.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary sought a thorough update on the project’s progress, achievements, and future plans, which included a detailed presentation on physical and financial accomplishments, implementation status, digital governance initiatives, and the Annual Work Plan and Budget for the upcoming financial year. While acknowledging the progress made, the Chief Secretary stressed the importance of converting approvals into tangible assets and sustainable livelihoods, urging implementing agencies to expedite field execution to ensure timely benefits for eligible beneficiaries. The Chief Secretary also assessed the status of credit linkage, noting that although over 2,550 applications had been submitted to financial institutions, the speed of loan disbursement required improvement. He highlighted the essential role of institutional finance in fostering rural enterprises and called for enhanced collaboration with banks to eliminate procedural obstacles and ensure prompt credit access for beneficiaries. The meeting revealed that farmer registrations had risen to 58,307, with over 64,750 applications received, and more than 39,900 applications approved, resulting in the establishment of 7,406 livelihood units across the Union Territory. The presentation by the Managing Director of HADP indicated that the Climate Smart and Market-Led Production component remains the most significant aspect of project interventions, alongside notable advancements in supporting vulnerable communities and expanding the agribusiness ecosystem. The project has achieved substantial growth in various sectors, including the cultivation of high-value crops, establishment of water management infrastructure, promotion of protected cultivation, and development of agri-startups to enhance agricultural value chains and market access. Additionally, the project has focused on improving livelihoods for pastoralists and vulnerable communities through initiatives such as income-generating sheep units and milk collection centers. The Chief Secretary reviewed the Annual Work Plan and Budget, commending the strategic planning for the upcoming financial year and emphasizing the need for timely execution and efficient resource utilization to achieve developmental goals. The IFAD delegation recognized the progress made by the Government of Jammu & Kashmir in implementing transparent digital systems and noted significant improvements since the last supervision mission. IFAD Country Coordinator Ms. Merra Mishra reaffirmed IFAD’s commitment to supporting sustainable agricultural transformation and inclusive rural livelihoods in the region. The Chief Secretary reiterated the government’s dedication to the successful implementation of JKCIP, urging all departments to coordinate closely with the IFAD Mission to incorporate its recommendations effectively. The meeting concluded with a focus on enhancing implementation efficiency, accelerating credit flow, and ensuring measurable socio-economic impacts throughout the Union Territory.
