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LATEST NEWS UPDATES | Agriculture land shrinks by 2 lakh hectares in 18 yrs: Survey -Junaid Kathju

Agriculture land shrinks by 2 lakh hectares in 18 yrs: Survey -Junaid Kathju

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published Published on Jul 5, 2014   modified Modified on Jul 5, 2014
-RisingKashmir.com

 

Horticulture encroaching upon paddy land 

Srinagar: Agriculture land has shrunk by 2 lakh hectares since 1996, economic survey reveals.

The survey reports that 10 lakh hectares were under agriculture production during 1995-96 which has reduced to 8 lakh hectares in 2013.

Experts said that reduction in the agriculture land has decreased its contribution to states economy also.

On the other hand, the horticulture has also developed into a major sector in Jammu and Kashmir's economy with many farmers converting their paddy land into horticulture.

According to experts, the contribution of horticulture to state's economy is 7 percent to 8 percent.

Out of total agriculture land of 8.26 lakh hectares, horticulture comprises of 3.5 lakh hectares of land.

More than 800 sq kms of agriculture land have been converted into horticulture and built-up areas since 1972.

"Rice is the staple food of Kashmiris and it is a primary commodity here. We are already importing more than 50 per cent rice to J&K. If this trend won't stop, we might have to import 100 percent rice," said former president of Federation Chamber of Industries Kashmir (FCIK), Shakeel Qalandar.

"Horticulture is contributing around Rs 5000 crore to the state's annual income, with a contribution of 7 to 8 percent of states total Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP)."

As per the official figures, the horticulture contributes of about 300 lakh metric tons of production per annum, while more than 70% population is directly and indirectly involved in horticulture and allied activities.

The figures show that more than 7 crore boxes of fruit were exported per year, while 3 crore boxes were consumed in the domestic market.

There are 282 private registered nurseries of horticulture which produce 25 lakh plants per year with the income of Rs 9 crore. Over 5 lakh fruit plants were annually supplied to other States.

Each hectare of orchard generates employment of 400 man-days per year which is 13.80 crore man-days per annum.

As per estimates over 7 lakh families were actively involved in horticulture sector, while 33 lakh souls were involved in the trade.

However, experts believe that it is worrying factor for the production of other essential wares.

"It is good that horticulture is growing, but if you see it other way, we are losing on agriculture production. Out of total income of Rs 11800 crore, if horticulture is contributing Rs 5000 crores, it means there is a major decline in agriculture and allied sectors," said Qalandar.

Out of the total GSDP of 19 percent from agriculture sector, horticulture adds to 7 to 8 percent which shows that horticulture is growing while other sectors of agriculture are on decline, said Qalandar.

Professor Dost Mohammad a renowned Economist of Kashmir said there is a lack of strategy to develop agriculture sectors in valley.

"We don't follow strategy. Instead of putting emphasis on all the allied sectors of agriculture, we are only running after one thing," said Mohammad

Mohammad said the main reason for the increase in horticulture sector in valley is its huge demand outside Kashmir.

"The reason which I see is the demand of Kashmiri fruits outside state. There is a huge demand of horticulture products in other states of India, due to which people here are shifting from agriculture to horticulture," said Mohammad.

Meanwhile, Director Horticulture P.K Sharma said the horticulture sector is one of the most important employment generation sectors in the state.

"Horticulture plays a significant role in contributing the economy of the state. We have ample opportunities for agro-industries which can provide employment to large section of the society," said Sharma.

Sharma said due to natural advantages of topography and diverse agro-climatic conditions horticulture in J&K has a greater scope for growth.

Last month, Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Youth Service and Sports, Raman Bhalla said that government has made a comprehensive project of Rs 1300 crore by incorporating public and private sector of the development of horticulture sector for current year in the state.


RisingKashmir.com, 3 July, 2014, http://www.risingkashmir.com/agriculture-land-shrinks-by-2-lakh-hectares-in-18-yrs-survey/


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