Srinagar, : Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election departments, Javid Ahmad Dar, Friday informed the Legislative Assembly that the Government is implementing a comprehensive package of schemes and interventions to strengthen agriculture and allied activities, irrigation, mechanization, post-harvest management and market linkages in Lolab Constituency of Kupwara district.
In response to a question from MLA Qaysar Jamshaid Lone, Minister Javid Dar highlighted the significance of Lolab as a vital agricultural region in Kupwara district, encompassing approximately 9,134 hectares of agricultural land, with nearly half being irrigated. The government has established a robust field-level departmental structure, including a Sub-Divisional Agriculture Office in Sogam, to effectively implement agricultural schemes and provide extension services to farmers. The Minister outlined various initiatives being implemented in Lolab, such as the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), the J&K Comprehensive Investment Plan (JKCIP), and several other central and state schemes aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability. He emphasized the collaborative nature of HADP, which involves multiple stakeholders to drive transformative changes in agriculture through technology and innovation. As of August 2026, significant progress has been made, with over 4,226 units approved under HADP, supported by financial assistance of approximately ₹269.88 lakh. Additionally, the JKCIP aims to bolster the competitiveness and climate resilience of farming through a value-chain approach, with 127 units established in the Sogam block during 2025-26. The Minister reported financial support provided to farmers under various schemes, including ₹33.62 lakh under PM-KISAN and ₹37.44 lakh under Centrally Sponsored Schemes. The government is also focusing on a wide range of interventions to support farmers, including quality seed production, training, subsidized machinery, and irrigation development. To enhance irrigation and infrastructure, the government plans to improve water management and post-harvest facilities through the convergence of various schemes. The Minister underscored the importance of strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and market linkages to facilitate better marketing and value addition of agricultural produce. Overall, the government’s strategy aims to improve farmers’ livelihoods by increasing productivity, reducing losses, and enhancing market access.
