Tag: Crops

Rampaging Wild Boars Damage Crops In North Kashmir

[ad_1]
SRINAGAR: Wild boars have turned into a formidable foe for farmers across the Hajin area of North Kashmir’s Bandipora district, people complained on Saturday.
The locals said that the wild boars have been on a rampage, causing extensive damage to crops and apple orchards across the area, leaving the agricultural community in distress.
“Despite efforts by wildlife authorities to curb the menace, their attempts have fallen short, leaving farmers in a state of desperation,” they said, adding that the department should take effective steps to put an end to this menace.
“These wild boars have transformed our once peaceful fields into a relentless battleground. They rampage in packs, leaving destruction in their wake and consuming our toil overnight,” laments Mohammad Sultan, a local farmer who sorrowfully recounts the decimation of 30 percent of his prized apple orchard to the insatiable foraging of these formidable beasts.
“We have invested our sweat and blood into these fields, only to witness them being destroyed by these beasts. We need immediate help from the authorities.”
Farmers bear the burden of substantial financial losses while they anxiously await a solution to their plight. The unyielding attack on their means of sustenance has left them disheartened, teetering on the brink of despair.
“Our hopes rest on the authorities comprehending the urgency of the situation and promptly taking decisive action. Our very survival hangs in the balance,” expresses Mohammad Hassan, a fellow farmer affected by the ongoing crisis
Meanwhile, an official said that concrete measures will be taken to protect them from these Wild Boars. Historically, the Wild Boar was brought into the valley by erstwhile Dogra ruler, Maharaja Gulab Singh, for hunting purposes—(KNO)

[ad_2]
#Rampaging #Wild #Boars #Damage #Crops #North #Kashmir
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

May 7, 2023
Telangana: Sharmila sends truck full of damaged crops to KCR

[ad_1]
Hyderabad: YSR Telangana Party (YSRTP) leader YS Sharmila on Tuesday sent a truck loaded with damaged crops to chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao and said that she intends to “wake the CM up from his deep slumber”.
She said that the truck bears farmers’ tears and demanded a compensation of Rs 30,000 per acre of damages rendered to the farmers due to the recent rains.
Exhibiting the truck to the media, the YSRTP chief said, “Today, we are sending this load of the damaged crop to KCR so that, at least during the election year, he will wake up from deep sleep and extend appropriate compensation to farmers. It is estimated that the crop loss is around 10 lakh acres, but not even a single official or MLA has visited the farmers and inspected the loss.”

She alleged that all the MLAs are busy clicking photographs in the newly built secretariat which cost Rs 1600 crores, while farmers had to raise loans at high interest and also sell their jewellery for crops.
“In the last nine years, the cumulative crop loss has been estimated to be more than Rs 14,000 crores, but this reckless government has no concept of crop insurance,” she added.
Sharmila said that when there is no crop insurance, the government should extend the compensation. She added that KCR’s promise of Rs 10,000 per acre is insignificant.
“He said that the amount would be delivered by the time he returned home. Has he not returned home yet?” she said.
The YSRTP leader also demanded that paddy procurement should begin functioning immediately.

“The assurance to set up 7500 IKP centres also failed and less than 2500 were set up. We demand that the centres be established as an emergency,” said Sharmila.
“Is this the bharosa and is this kisan sarkar? A sarkar that doesn’t give crop insurance, doesn’t extend input subsidies, and fails on every front when it comes to the rescue of farmers?” said the YSRTP leader slamming the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) catchphrases ‘raithu bharosa’ and ‘ab ki baar kisan sarkar’.
[ad_2]
#Telangana #Sharmila #sends #truck #full #damaged #crops #KCR
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

May 2, 2023
Kashmir Witnessing ‘Yellow Revolution’ With Oilseed Crops Registering Significant Growth: LG Sinha

[ad_1]
SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, in this month’s “Awaam ki Awaaz” programme shared the inspiring stories of the Change-makers and highlighted the efforts of the UT Government to realize the true growth potential of Jammu Kashmir.
The Lt Governor said the JK administration with citizens’ participation is steering the change in the socio-economic landscape of the Union Territory. Our collective effort is to create a more progressive, growth-oriented and aspirational society and laying a strong foundation for journey of the next 25 years, he added.
“Kashmir division is witnessing ‘Yellow Revolution’ with oilseed crops registering significant growth. There will be additional opportunities for oil extraction and value addition and therefore more entrepreneurial opportunities for people,” said the Lt Governor.
According to an estimate, mustard oil worth Rs 800 crore will be produced this year only in the Kashmir Valley and Jammu and Kashmir will move towards self-sufficiency in the production of the mustard oil, he noted.
Congratulating people of Jammu Kashmir for GI-Tagging of the Basholi Painting, he said it is a significant landmark in preserving and promoting the artistic and cultural heritage of J&K UT.
“Basohli Painting has become the first independent GI-tagged product from Jammu region. It will provide access to customers to authentic product and a huge boost to local economy,” observed the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor shared the inspiring journey of Self-made women entrepreneurs, Shalini Khokhar from Rajouri and Pattan’s Shamshada Begum. With commitment, conviction and courage, they are making significant contribution to a modern, strong and self-reliant J&K, he added.
The Lt Governor lauded the efforts of progressive farmers like Seva Ram of Galhar, Kishtwar in improving agricultural productivity and encouraging the adoption of new agriculture techniques.

The Lt Governor commended the “Give Plastic and Take Gold” campaign launched by Farooq Ahmad Ganie, Sarpanch of Sadiwara, Anantnag to transform the Swachh Abhiyan into Janbhagidari and fulfill the dream of Swachh Bharat.
He called upon the PRI representatives to replicate the noble initiative and ensure community participation in cleanliness drives. Youth clubs also have an important role to play in promoting swachh abhiyan, he added.
The Lt Governor congratulated Sarpanch, Panch and District Administration of Sira-A Gram Panchayat of Udhampur, Phalmerg of Kupwara Fatehpora of Baramulla for receiving awards in different categories at the National Panchayat Awards 2023.
The Lt Governor made a special mention of Prof Jagbir Singh Sudan of Poonch for his selfless service and inspiring others to actively participate in the service of humanity. The service activities of his organization ‘Pritam Spiritual Foundation’ are truly commendable, added the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor appreciated the work of Sonia Verma of Gurah Brahmana village in Akhnoor who has planted more than 60 thousand saplings in the areas of Akhnoor and Khour. He asked the citizens to follow this inspiring example of environmental consciousness.
Sharing the suggestions of Priya Varma from Reasi on women-exclusive haats, the Lt Governor reiterated the UT administration’s commitment to promote women-led enterprises.
Women entrepreneurs are the backbone of J&K economy and we have taken appropriate steps for capacity building, easy access to credit & marketing linkage, observed the Lt Governor.

[ad_2]
#Kashmir #Witnessing #Yellow #Revolution #Oilseed #Crops #Registering #Significant #Growth #Sinha
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

April 16, 2023
Crops over 3 lakh acres damaged in Andhra Pradesh

[ad_1]
Amaravati: Crops over 3 lakh acres were damaged in Andhra Pradesh due to unseasonal rains and thunderstorms a week ago.
The standing rabi crops which were ready for harvest were damaged in various districts across the state.
Farmers in coastal districts and Rayalaseema faced the wrath of untimely rains and their hopes of reaping a good harvest in the next 10-15 days were shattered.
The unseasonal rains caused losses to maize, chilly, paddy, and tobacco crops. The mango crop was also extensively damaged. Banana, tomatoes, other horticultural and vegetable crops also suffered damage.
Farmers were shocked as the maize crop which was ready for harvest was inundated in few districts. Strong winds also damaged mango, papaya, and banana crops.
Farmers in several areas complained that authorities did not come to their rescue. Agriculture Department officials were not seen in the fields. In Anantapur district, affected farmers staged a protest on Tadipatri highway.
Shocked over crop losses, a couple of farmers ended their lives.
In Bapatla district, woman farmer Nirmala, 48, committed suicide due to losses to her tobacco crop, while in Chittoor district, farmer Bhaskar, 45, consumed pesticides as he was unable to bear the crop loss. He had taken a loan of Rs 1.5 lakh to grow cauliflower and tomato on two acres but the entire crop was inundated.

Farmers cultivating maize also suffered massive losses. It was decided to cultivate maize on 4.97 lakh acres during Rabi season but actual cultivation was taken up on 5.90 lakh acres. The farmers are estimated to have suffered a loss of Rs 35,000 per acre.
Chilly farmers in south coastal districts were the worst hit. They had invested Rs 2.50 lakh to Rs 3 lakh per acre and reportedly suffered losses of Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000 per acre.
According to Information and Public Relations Minister, Srinivasa Venugopal Krishna, maize, paddy, black gram and chilly crops were damaged in 15 mandals of Nandyal district.
Crops of maize suffered damage in parts of NTR, Parvathipuram Manyam, and Kurnool districts. Banana crop damage was reported from Parvathipuram Manyam, while black gram and cotton crop damage was reported in a mandal in Prakasam district.
Farmers in Kadapa and Annamaiah districts also faced the loss of horticulture crops, especially papaya, banana, mango, lemon, watermelon, and turmeric.
Though it has been a week since the unseasonal rains lashed the state, the government has still not come out with the data relating to crop losses and as a result, farmers were still waiting for the announcement of compensation.
It was on March 19 that Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy held a meeting with senior officials here on Sunday and reviewed the situation arising out of untimely rains.
Seeking details of the crop loss caused by the unseasonal rains, the Chief Minister directed them to start enumeration of the crop loss immediately. He directed all district collectors to complete the enumeration in a week and take steps to help the farmers who have suffered crop loss due to the rains.
[ad_2]
#Crops #lakh #acres #damaged #Andhra #Pradesh
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 26, 2023
NIRDPR, ICRISAT sign MoU to promote dryland crops, climate-smart farming

[ad_1]
Hyderabad: City-based National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR) and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) on Monday signed a MoU to strengthen evidence-based research and capacity building on critical development issues.
The Memorandum of Understanding aims to promote collaboration between the two institutions in areas such as climate change adaptation, rural entrepreneurship development, value chain development, sharing international best practices, scaling-up of identified agricultural and rural technologies, and livelihood development, a release from NIRDPR said.
Under the agreement, the two institutions will focus on different collaborative activities by sharing each other’s strengths, including developing Rurban’ clusters for ICRISAT mandate crops through value chain development, encouraging rural incubation and entrepreneurship development by integrating with National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) activities, it said.
Enhancing the value of new generation watersheds through climate proofing of Gram Panchayats in India and promoting international best practices for poverty alleviation through agriculture and rural development programmes is also included, it said.
NIRDPR Director General G Narendra Kumar emphasised that the collaboration between the two institutions is very important in the background of international opportunities and enabling exports of agri-products from dryland areas.
“The technical competence of ICRISAT in research and development on high-yielding varieties and related value-added products, and the strength of NIRDPR in creating business opportunities and marketing support through self-help groups (SHGs) under NRLM across the country, will act in synergy to transform rural livelihoods,” said Narendra Kumar.
ICRISAT Director General Jacqueline Hughes expressed her desire for the two institutions to work together for Africa, as they have several commonalities in terms of their vision, mission, and focus areas.
Partnership between NIRDPR and ICRISAT is expected to have a significant impact on rural development, poverty alleviation, and food security at the village level, the release added.

[ad_2]
#NIRDPR #ICRISAT #sign #MoU #promote #dryland #crops #climatesmart #farming
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 13, 2023
Telangana: 2 electrocuted to death in attempt to save crops in Mahabubabad

[ad_1]
Hyderabad: In a tragic incident that occurred on Tuesday, a man and his son were electrocuted in an attempt to protect their maize crops in Mahabubabad.
Angothu Sevi Naik,55 who resides in Uggampally village in the district had arranged an electric fence in order to protect his crops, spread over three acres from monkeys.
The man along with his son Kiran Naik, 29, who is survived by his wife and three children, had gone to guard the crops on Tuesday when the incident took place.
According to the police, Kiran accidentally fell onto the electric fence following which his father tried to pull him away.
However, the father-son duo were electrocuted on the spot.
Subscribe us on
[ad_2]
#Telangana #electrocuted #death #attempt #save #crops #Mahabubabad

( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

February 22, 2023
Early heat may adversely affect wheat, other crops: IMD

[ad_1]
Delhi: Significantly high temperatures over northwest India, Gujarat, Konkan and Goa may have an adverse impact on wheat and other crops, the India Meteorological Department said on Monday.
Maximum temperatures in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Konkan, Goa and coastal Karnataka have remained in the range of 35 to 39 degrees Celsius — four to nine degrees above normal — since February 13, the Met office said in a statement.
They are 6 to 9 degrees Celsius above normal in some parts of Saurashtra and Kutch and south west Rajasthan.
Maximum temperatures in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi have remained five to nine degrees Celsius above normal since February 18.
“Significantly higher-than-normal maximum temperatures over northwest India, Gujarat, Konkan and Goa may be attributed to the absence of any active western disturbance in February, a dry spell prevailing over the plains and subdued precipitation over hills,” the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
It said an anti-cyclone over south Gujarat led to subsidence of air and the warming over the region.
Anticyclones are centres of high pressure from where winds blow out in every direction. The anticyclone over India sends warm winds from north-west to central and western India, causing heat waves.
“This higher day temperature might lead to an adverse effect on wheat as the crop is approaching reproductive growth period, which is sensitive to temperature,” the IMD said.

High temperatures during the flowering and maturing periods leads to loss in yield. There could be a similar impact on other standing crops and horticulture, it said.
The IMD said farmers can go for light irrigation if the crop appears to be under stress.
“To reduce the impact of higher temperatures, add mulch material in the space between two rows of vegetable crops to conserve soil moisture and maintain soil temperature,” it said. Earlier in the day, the IMD withdrew its heatwave warning for isolated places in Kutch and Konkan regions due to sea breeze leading to a drop in temperatures.
The Met office on Sunday said isolated heatwave “conditions are likely over Kutch and Konkan during the next two days”.
Officials had said it was the earliest a heatwave alert was issued for these regions.
“We have withdrawn the heatwave warning for these regions with the temperatures showing a decreasing tendency due to sea breeze. Maximum temperatures are predicted to drop by two to three degrees Celsius in the next two-three days,” said Naresh Kumar, a senior scientist at the IMD.
A heat wave is declared if the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius in the plains, at least 37 degrees in coastal areas and at least 30 degrees in hilly regions, and the departure from normal is at least 4.5 degrees.
In March last year, the warmest recorded in the country since 1901, heat caused a decline of 2.5 per cent in wheat yields.
The weather department had attributed the unusual heat to the lack of rainfall due to the absence of active western disturbances over north India and any major system over south India.
The country as a whole had logged just 8.9 mm rainfall, which was 71 per cent lower than its long period average of 30.4 mm.
[ad_2]
#Early #heat #adversely #affect #wheat #crops #IMD
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

February 21, 2023
Jammu & Kashmir Govt Approves Rs 146 Cr Project for Promotion of Niche Crops – Kashmir News

[ad_1]
Govt approves Rs 146 Cr project for promotion of niche crops in J&K
SRINAGAR, JANUARY 29 (KN) : Jammu and Kashmir government has approved a prestigious project worth Rs 146 crore to promote the niche crops as unique heritage of the UT, which will be implemented in the next five years.
“The project aims at diversifying and expanding the area of niche crops over an area of 11,100 hectare thus ensuring livelihood security for 111,000 targetted beneficiaries with a revenue realization of Rs. 2,238 Crore” , Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Agriculture Production Department (APD), Atal Dulloo said.
The initiative will focus on increasing production, improving livelihoods and enhancing market accessibility. This will be achieved through establishment of nurseries and seed villages, infrastructure development, and collaboration with various partners and stakeholders, he added.
Pertinently, Jammu and Kashmir is home to a diverse range of niche crops including Saffron, Kalazeera, Kashmiri Lal Mirch, Peanut, Anardhana, Bhaderwah Rajmash, hill garlic, Mushkbudhji (aromatic rice), Red Rice and Shallot (Pran). These crops are grown on an area of 32,000 hectare, with a total production of 24,000 metric tons making a substantial contribution of Rs. 945 crore to the UT GDP.
The main components of the project included establishment of 5,226 nurseries/seed villages, which will generate 7750 job opportunities for unemployed youth working in the niche sector. Additionally, the project will take up creation of one Mini Spice Park, two Modern Rice Mills and eleven grading and processing units in target clusters, which will be linked with available NABL laboratories and e-trading centers of UT. This will facilitate quality promotion and value addition, leading to profitable accessibility to the market.
To promote these niche crops at the export level, the project shall also undertake tagging of identified niche crops, for which descriptors will be developed for their uniqueness. Likewise, the project will ensure human resource development for capacity building and employment generation. The project is being jointly undertaken by SKUAST Jammu and Kashmir besides the Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Department, Jammu and Kashmir.
Promotion of Niche Crops is one among the 29 projects, which were approved by the Jammu and Kashmir administration after being recommended by the UT Level Apex Committee for holistic development of Agriculture and allied sectors in the UT of J&K. The prestigious committee is headed by Dr Mangala Rai, Former DG ICAR with other luminaries in the field of Agriculture, Planning, Statistics and Administration like Ashok Dalwai, CEO NRAA, Dr. P K Joshi, Secretary, NAAS, Dr. Prabhat Kumar, Horticulture Commissioner MOA and FW, Dr. H S Gupta, Former Director, IARI, Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Agriculture Production Department (APD), apart from the Vice Chancellors of twin Agriculture Universities of the UT.

There is a long history of cultivating these niche crops in J&K, particularly in heritage sites such as Pampore, Gurez, Padder, Kishtwar, Bhaderwah, Bandipora, Sagam, Tangdar, Ramban and Poonch”, Mr Dulloo said, adding that these crops, including spices, aromatic crops and underutilized horticultural crops, have a significant commercial value and potential to be awarded a GI tag, similar to the tag achieved for Kashmir Saffron.
Currently, spice niche crops are cultivated on 5525 hectare with a total production of 10163 metric tons. Similarly, aromatic crops are cultivated on 250 hectares, with a total production of 750 metric tons. However, heritage underutilized horticultural crops are scattered, with a very low area of 547 hectares, and a production of 81 metric tons. The existing production scenario suggests a great scope for enhancing production to bridge the prevailing market deficit.
Diversification of niche crops in potential areas has been proposed on 11100 hectare of land in various districts of the state. Specifically, saffron will be grown on 290 ha in Kupwara, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Kulgam, Shopian, Anantnag, Doda, Ramban, Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi and Udhampur, Kalazeera on 300 ha in Bandipora, Kishtwar and Pulwama, Kashmiri Lal Mirch on 1000 ha’s in Anantnag, Kulgam and Kupwara, Peanut on 410 ha in Doda, Rajouri, Poonch and Kishtwar, Bhaderwah Rajmash on 6000 ha in Kishtwar, Kathua, Poonch, Rajouri and Doda, Hill Garlic on 2000 ha in Jammu, Samba, Kathua and Udhampur, Mushkbudji on 600 ha’s in Anantnag, Kulgam and Kupwara besides Red Rice on 500 ha in District Anantnag, Baramulla, Kupwara and Budgam districts.
To meet the emerging market demand for niche crops as functional food, there is an immediate need to extend the area of cultivation in similar agro-ecological conditions in J&K, either as a sole crop or as an intercrop. The introduction of niche value chains in prevailing cropping systems will not only increase production but will also meet the goal of raising farmers income substantially, ensuring livelihood security and stability. The expanded area of cultivation will include Kupwara, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Kulgam, Budgam, Pulwama, Shopian, Anantnag, Doda, Ramban, Poonch, Rajouri, Udhampur, Reasi, Samba, Kathua and Kishtwar.
One of the key challenges in expanding the area of cultivation is lack of availability of quality planting material. The project aims to address this challenge through establishment of 5182 registered nurseries on 408 ha and 44 seed villages over an area of 212 ha particularly in heritage sites such as Pampore, Gurez, Padder, Kishtwar, Baderwah, Bandipora, Sagam, Tangdar, Ramban and Poonch. The cumulative output from the nurseries/seed villages shall include 2159 MT of quality planting material, 40000 plants and 10 crore seedlings. The outcome of the project will serve as a pilot module for area expansion for production enhancement of high value crops as a long-term strategy in UT of J&K.(KN)
ALSO READ: J&K: Important Traffic Advisory For 30th January 2023 in View of Bharat Jodo Yatra
ALSO READ: J&K Government Orders Detachment Of Employees/Officials – Check Here
CLICK ON THE BELOW PROVIDED LINKS TO FOLLOW KASHMIR NEWS ON:
[ad_2]
#Jammu #Kashmir #Govt #Approves #Project #Promotion #Niche #Crops #Kashmir #News
( With inputs from : kashmirnews.in )

January 29, 2023
Govt Approves Rs 146 Cr Project For Promotion Of Niche Crops In J&K

[ad_1]
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir government has approved a prestigious project worth Rs 146 crore to promote the niche crops as unique heritage of the UT, which will be implemented in the next five years.
“The project aims at diversifying and expanding the area of niche crops over an area of 11,100 hectare thus ensuring livelihood security for 111,000 targetted beneficiaries with a revenue realization of Rs. 2,238 Crore” , Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Agriculture Production Department (APD), Atal Dulloo said.
The initiative will focus on increasing production, improving livelihoods and enhancing market accessibility. This will be achieved through establishment of nurseries and seed villages, infrastructure development, and collaboration with various partners and stakeholders, he added.
Pertinently, Jammu and Kashmir is home to a diverse range of niche crops including Saffron, Kalazeera, Kashmiri Lal Mirch, Peanut, Anardhana, Bhaderwah Rajmash, hill garlic, Mushkbudhji (aromatic rice), Red Rice and Shallot (Pran). These crops are grown on an area of 32,000 hectare, with a total production of 24,000 metric tons making a substantial contribution of Rs. 945 crore to the UT GDP.
The main components of the project included establishment of 5,226 nurseries/seed villages, which will generate 7750 job opportunities for unemployed youth working in the niche sector. Additionally, the project will take up creation of one Mini Spice Park, two Modern Rice Mills and eleven grading and processing units in target clusters, which will be linked with available NABL laboratories and e-trading centers of UT. This will facilitate quality promotion and value addition, leading to profitable accessibility to the market.
To promote these niche crops at the export level, the project shall also undertake tagging of identified niche crops, for which descriptors will be developed for their uniqueness. Likewise, the project will ensure human resource development for capacity building and employment generation. The project is being jointly undertaken by SKUAST Jammu and Kashmir besides the Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Department, Jammu and Kashmir.
Promotion of Niche Crops is one among the 29 projects, which were approved by the Jammu and Kashmir administration after being recommended by the UT Level Apex Committee for holistic development of Agriculture and allied sectors in the UT of J&K. The prestigious committee is headed by Dr Mangala Rai, Former DG ICAR with other luminaries in the field of Agriculture, Planning, Statistics and Administration like Ashok Dalwai, CEO NRAA, Dr. P K Joshi, Secretary, NAAS, Dr. Prabhat Kumar, Horticulture Commissioner MOA and FW, Dr. H S Gupta, Former Director, IARI, Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Agriculture Production Department (APD), apart from the Vice Chancellors of twin Agriculture Universities of the UT.
There is a long history of cultivating these niche crops in J&K, particularly in heritage sites such as Pampore, Gurez, Padder, Kishtwar, Bhaderwah, Bandipora, Sagam, Tangdar, Ramban and Poonch”, Mr Dulloo said, adding that these crops, including spices, aromatic crops and underutilized horticultural crops, have a significant commercial value and potential to be awarded a GI tag, similar to the tag achieved for Kashmir Saffron.

Currently, spice niche crops are cultivated on 5525 hectare with a total production of 10163 metric tons. Similarly, aromatic crops are cultivated on 250 hectares, with a total production of 750 metric tons. However, heritage underutilized horticultural crops are scattered, with a very low area of 547 hectares, and a production of 81 metric tons. The existing production scenario suggests a great scope for enhancing production to bridge the prevailing market deficit.
Diversification of niche crops in potential areas has been proposed on 11100 hectare of land in various districts of the state. Specifically, saffron will be grown on 290 ha in Kupwara, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Kulgam, Shopian, Anantnag, Doda, Ramban, Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi and Udhampur, Kalazeera on 300 ha in Bandipora, Kishtwar and Pulwama, Kashmiri Lal Mirch on 1000 ha’s in Anantnag, Kulgam and Kupwara, Peanut on 410 ha in Doda, Rajouri, Poonch and Kishtwar, Bhaderwah Rajmash on 6000 ha in Kishtwar, Kathua, Poonch, Rajouri and Doda, Hill Garlic on 2000 ha in Jammu, Samba, Kathua and Udhampur, Mushkbudji on 600 ha’s in Anantnag, Kulgam and Kupwara besides Red Rice on 500 ha in District Anantnag, Baramulla, Kupwara and Budgam districts.
To meet the emerging market demand for niche crops as functional food, there is an immediate need to extend the area of cultivation in similar agro-ecological conditions in J&K, either as a sole crop or as an intercrop. The introduction of niche value chains in prevailing cropping systems will not only increase production but will also meet the goal of raising farmers income substantially, ensuring livelihood security and stability. The expanded area of cultivation will include Kupwara, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Kulgam, Budgam, Pulwama, Shopian, Anantnag, Doda, Ramban, Poonch, Rajouri, Udhampur, Reasi, Samba, Kathua and Kishtwar.
One of the key challenges in expanding the area of cultivation is lack of availability of quality planting material. The project aims to address this challenge through establishment of 5182 registered nurseries on 408 ha and 44 seed villages over an area of 212 ha particularly in heritage sites such as Pampore, Gurez, Padder, Kishtwar, Baderwah, Bandipora, Sagam, Tangdar, Ramban and Poonch. The cumulative output from the nurseries/seed villages shall include 2159 MT of quality planting material, 40000 plants and 10 crore seedlings. The outcome of the project will serve as a pilot module for area expansion for production enhancement of high value crops as a long-term strategy in UT of J&K.

[ad_2]
#Govt #Approves #Project #Promotion #Niche #Crops
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

January 29, 2023