Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference President and Member Legislative Assembly Handwara, Sajad Lone, on Monday voiced strong concern in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly over the minimal budgetary support for the region’s ₹10,000 crore horticulture industry, despite its significant role in the economy.
“I believe horticulture is a lifeline in terms of employment. There have been a few interventions, and though estimates vary, its turnover is approximately ₹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 ₹700 crore,” Sajad Lone said in the assembly as per news agency JKNS.
He pressed the government for greater investment, saying, “If we go by the 8% contribution, the allocation should be around ₹8,000 crore. Just imagine how much employment could be generated if ₹8,000 crore was invested in the horticulture sector.”
Pointing towards unemployment concerns, Lone added, “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.”
Speaking on land-use changes, Lone highlighted the economic dilemma faced by farmers: “Everyone here talks about land, so I thought I should say something too. We want farmers to keep their land, whether it is profitable for them or not, but we must realise that we cannot stop them and the law cannot prevent land-use change indefinitely.”
“If farming remains profitable, agricultural and horticultural land will be preserved. But if it is not, how can we expect farmers to keep their land and continue sowing paddy whether they earn from it or not?”
“I come from a farming family. In paddy farming, after deducting all expenses, the income generated from one kanal of land is around ₹2,000-₹2,500. Meanwhile, high-density farming can generate an income of ₹50,000-₹70,000. How can we stop farmers from switching to a more profitable option, and for how long?”
Lone urged the government to encourage modern techniques: “This mindset that farmers must continue paddy farming no matter what needs to change. Even our water resources are strained by paddy cultivation.” (JKNS)
