JAMMU, 31 May 2025: The Central Government and the Jammu and Kashmir administration will soon formulate a comprehensive agricultural roadmap for the Union Territory, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced recently.
Speaking at the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan in the RS Pura border belt, Chouhan emphasized the government’s focus on empowering farmers through technology, knowledge, and support.
“I will return to Jammu and Kashmir on June 17th and 18th to finalise the agreement and unveil the full roadmap,” Chouhan said, addressing a large gathering of local farmers and officials. He highlighted lavender cultivation as a transformative opportunity for the region, citing it as a promising crop to boost incomes and expand the area under cultivation.
The roadmap, according to Chouhan, will aim to increase crop yields, reduce input costs, and promote sustainable farming in the region. The collaboration between the Centre and the UT government is designed to offer tailored support to farmers, particularly those living and working in sensitive border areas.
The minister also spotlighted India’s highest-altitude Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) at Nyoma in Ladakh, which is actively participating in the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, in coordination with 731 KVKs and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The nationwide outreach initiative is designed to provide farmers with practical tools, training, and crop planning insights for the Kharif season. The campaign will run until June 12, 2025, across all states and UTs.
Joined by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, Chouhan paid tribute to the farmers living near the Line of Control, calling them the “second line of defence” after the Indian Armed Forces. “Our borders are strong because of our brave jawans and the resilient farmers who toil under the shadow of conflict,” he said, adding, “In these parts, agriculture is not just a livelihood, it’s a form of patriotism.”
Chouhan emphasized that the Sankalp Abhiyan is designed to bridge the “lab to land” gap by ensuring that scientific research reaches the grassroots. As part of this initiative, agricultural scientists are visiting remote villages, engaging directly with farmers to demonstrate techniques that can increase productivity and lower cultivation costs.
He concluded his address by saluting the border farmers and reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to building a resilient and prosperous rural economy. “Farming here is a symbol of courage and commitment. We will continue to walk alongside our farmers, hand in hand,” he said.
