Sajad Lone calls for higher Budget allocation to horticulture sector
J&K People’s Conference president and Handwara MLA Sajad Lone on Monday made a strong case for revitalising the region’s horticulture sector through increased Budget allocation and modernisation efforts.
In his speech in the Legislative Assembly on Monday, Lone, while emphasising horticulture’s critical role in the region’s economy, highlighted the significant disparity between the sector’s economic contribution and its budgetary support.
“I believe horticulture is a lifeline in terms of employment. There have been a few interventions, and though estimates vary, its turnover is approximately Rs 10,000 crore. Around 7.5 lakh families are associated with it. It contributes 8% to GDP, but the budget allocation is less than 1%, amounting to only Rs 700 crore,” he said.
Underscored the untapped potential for job creation, Lone said, “If we go by the 8% contribution, the allocation should be around Rs 8,000 crore. Just imagine how much employment could be generated if Rs 8,000 crore was invested in the horticulture sector.”
Addressing the government directly, Lone remarked, “My complaint to the government is that the Budget allocation is too low. This ministry has significant potential to address unemployment. Jobs are becoming scarce with each passing day and this is the only sector where the employment generation can be increased.”
Advocating for technological advancement in farming, Lone said, “The mindset that farmers must continue with paddy farming needs to change. Even our water resources are strained by paddy cultivation.”
Comparing traditional and modern farming techniques, Lone noted, “Currently, traditional apple farming yields about 10 tons per hectare, whereas high-density farming, which is technology-driven, can produce up to 40-50 tons per hectare. Despite a 50% subsidy, farmers lack the funds to transition from traditional to high-density farming. As a result, farmers are reluctant and are forced to continue cultivating the existing old senile varieties. This shift requires a major push.”
He called for corporate involvement in the sector’s transformation while urging the government to open the sector to large corporate ventures. Lone also raised concerns about imported apples and spurious pesticides, urging the government to protect local producers.
