Revised AAP targets distribution of 2,113 farm machinery units; 22 Custom Hiring Centres
Srinagar | Oct: 15:In a significant push towards agricultural modernisation and enhanced farm productivity, Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, Thursday approved a revised Annual Action Plan (AAP) worth ₹13.76 crore for 2026–27 under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) component of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY).
The meeting was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Production Department; Secretary, Rural Development Department; Secretary, Planning; Secretary in APD; Heads of Departments of the Agriculture Production Department; and other concerned officers.
Highlighting the vital importance of irrigation in boosting agricultural productivity in Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Secretary emphasized the need for a dedicated focus on irrigation schemes. This focus aims to strengthen the farming sector and help farmers tap into its full potential. He encouraged the Agriculture Production Department to advance key initiatives under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), the Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP), drip irrigation, and the Command Area Development component. He pointed out how crucial these initiatives are for enhancing water-use efficiency, broadening irrigation coverage, and making the best use of agricultural land. The Chief Secretary also stressed that mechanization and irrigation should go hand in hand to boost farm efficiency, elevate crop productivity, and fortify the overall agricultural economy of Jammu and Kashmir. The plan, which received the green light from the State Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC) led by the Chief Secretary, aims to enhance access to modern farming machinery, improve operational efficiency, and encourage technology-driven agricultural practices throughout the region. This revised plan has been revamped by rationalizing and pooling available resources in line with the financial limits set by the Government of India. The approved budget is designed to bolster mechanization efforts in both the Agriculture and Horticulture sectors while ensuring balanced regional support and targeted assistance for farmers from various socio-economic backgrounds. On this occasion, the ACS of the Agriculture Production Department, Dr. Ashish Chandra Verma, shared that out of the total budget of ₹1,376 lakh, ₹960 lakh is allocated for the Agriculture Sector and ₹416 lakh for the Horticulture Sector. He further noted that the Agriculture Sector allocation includes ₹505 lakh for the Kashmir Division and ₹455 lakh for the Jammu Division. In the Horticulture Sector, ₹215 lakh has been set aside for the Kashmir Division and ₹201 lakh for the Jammu Division.
