Jammu and Kashmir is working to establish a Clean Plant Centre that will supply disease-free planting material to horticulture growers, Agriculture Production Minister Javid Ahmad Dar said in an interview with The Hindu BusinessLine. The initiative aims to address pest problems linked to imported planting material, such as the Leaf Miner pest reported by farmers.
Crop Insurance and Market Intervention Gaps
Dar said the Union Territory initially attempted to roll out the Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme but received only one bid from insurance companies due to challenging weather conditions. Later, more companies joined and an L1 bidder was identified, but the process was put on hold following a communication from the Central government about policy framework revisions. The minister stated that budgetary provisions have been made and the scheme is expected to be introduced in the coming months.
On the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), Dar noted it is primarily aimed at procuring C-grade apples to protect growers from distress sales during price collapses. A team from NITI Aayog recently visited the region and collected data from allied departments. The minister believes the Central government is considering rolling out an MIS for the Himalayan region.
High-Density Apple Cultivation and Pest Management
According to Dar, high-density apple cultivation has transformed horticulture in many parts of south Kashmir under programmes like the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP). A large number of growers have shifted to high-density and exotic apple varieties, with encouraging results in productivity and returns. The government is now encouraging farmers in north Kashmir to adopt the model.
Regarding pest infestations from imported planting material, Dar said importers and suppliers are required to quarantine material before distribution. A committee has been constituted to ensure proper implementation of quarantine protocols. The planned Clean Plant Centre will supply disease-free planting material, and the matter has been taken up with the Central government.
Climate Change and Shrinking Farmland
Dar acknowledged that climate change is a reality, citing a water crisis from declining groundwater levels and more frequent unusual weather events. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) are developing climate-resilient crop varieties to withstand drought, erratic rainfall, and temperature fluctuations.
Official data shows that the Valley lost around 34,000 hectares of cultivable farmland between 1996 and 2023. Dar said laws exist to prevent conversion of agricultural land, but shrinking farmland is being addressed by focusing on high-value crops.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Cultivable land loss (1996-2023) | 34,000 hectares |
| Crop insurance bids initially | 1 company |
| High-density apple adoption | South Kashmir (widespread), now promoting in north |
Implications for Horticulture Supply Chain
The establishment of a Clean Plant Centre could reduce pest-related crop losses and improve the quality of planting material for apples and other horticulture crops, which are major commodities in J&K. The introduction of crop insurance and a Market Intervention Scheme would provide price support and risk mitigation for growers, potentially stabilising supply volumes. However, climate change and land constraints remain structural challenges that may limit production growth.
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