J&K farmers moving towards high-value crops: Survey

Agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir is gradually shifting from subsistence farming towards high-value crops such as exotic vegetables, mushrooms and honey, reflecting a transition towards income-oriented farming rather than expansion in acreage, according to the Economic Survey 2025–26.The survey noted that total foodgrain production increased by 1.33 per cent over the past year, rising from 20,904 thousand quintals to 21,181 thousand quintals. Vegetable production reached 496.09 thousand quintals in 2024–25, bringing the Union Territory closer to self-reliance.“Expansion into high value and exotic vegetables such as broccoli and asparagus, coupled with value-addition initiatives like maize processing into corn flakes and sweet corn has reduced post-harvest losses and generated local employment. Market reforms, including regulated markets and integration with e-NAM, have improved price realization and farmer incomes,” the report said.The survey stated that targeted interventions are being implemented to improve land productivity, promote crop diversification and strengthen infrastructure and marketing networks. Emphasis is being placed on expanding organic farming, exotic vegetables, spices and other high-value crops to align agricultural production with changing market demand while ensuring sustainable farm incomes and ecological balance.Mushroom production increased from 28,865.32 quintals in 2022–23 to 33,848.86 quintals in 2023–24 and further to 37,903.11 quintals in 2024–25, registering a growth of 11.98 per cent. Honey production also rose from 23,147 quintals in 2022–23 to 26,301.04 quintals in 2024–25.However, the area under vegetable cultivation declined from 519.70 thousand quintals in 2023–24 to 496.09 thousand quintals in 2024–25, marking a decrease of 4.54 per cent.“Agriculture remains the backbone of the J&K economy, with nearly 70 per cent of the population deriving their livelihood directly or indirectly from this sector. The J&K Government has undertaken comprehensive initiatives to transform the agricultural landscape and enhance farmers’ livelihoods. As per the report, recent reforms focus on modernising agricultural practices, improving profitability and making the sector more attractive to the younger generation, while addressing persistent challenges such as low productivity and limited market access,” the survey report reads.Under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), 29 projects with an outlay of Rs 5,013 crore are being implemented over five years to holistically transform the agricultural sector. The initiative is projected to increase the Gross State Domestic Product by around Rs 28,000 crore, generate approximately 2.88 lakh additional jobs and create nearly 19,000 new enterprises, benefiting about 13 lakh families and providing skill development to around 2.5 lakh youth.The report further stated, “Initiatives in value addition, including the processing of maize into corn flakes and sweet corn, have reduced post-harvest losses and generated local employment. The establishment of regulated markets and integration of farmers with digital platforms such as e-NAM have improved market access and ensured fair price realisation.”Meanwhile, the horticulture sector continues to remain a cornerstone of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, contributing significantly to the GSDP while sustaining livelihoods across the region. The sector generates approximately Rs 10,000 crore annually and supports nearly 35 lakh people directly or indirectly, benefiting around seven lakh families.Horticulture production, including fresh and dry fruits, increased to 26.92 lakh metric tonnes in 2024–25 from 20.06 lakh metric tonnes in 2018–19, registering a growth of 34.20 per cent over the period.

J&K farmers moving towards high-value crops: Survey

Arjun Sharma

Unlock Premium Insights in This Article