Hi-tech agriculture only way forward for prosperous farmers in J&K: Bharat Priye
13/02/2026
Jammu, February 13 (KIP)-JKPCC Kissan Department J&KUT President Bharat Priye today issued a strong and comprehensive call for transforming the agricultural landscape of Jammu and Kashmir through large-scale adoption of modern, hi-tech farming practices. He asserted that unless urgent and concrete measures are taken to modernize agriculture, farmers will continue to struggle with low productivity, climate uncertainties, and unstable incomes. Addressing press conference in Kathua today, Bharat Priye stated that agriculture remains the backbone of J&KUT’s rural economy, employing a significant portion of the population directly or indirectly. “If we truly want economic stability, employment generation, and sustainable development in J&KUT, we must begin with strengthening our farmers,” he said.
Bharat Priye stressed that traditional farming methods alone cannot meet present-day challenges. He urged farmers to gradually adopt precision farming, polyhouse cultivation, drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, soil health card-based nutrient management, farm mechanization, and high-density plantation in horticulture.He emphasized that scientific soil testing must become mandatory practice so that farmers can reduce excessive fertilizer usage and improve productivity. He also highlighted the importance of climate-resilient seed varieties to combat erratic rainfall, prolonged dry spells, and unseasonal snowfall, which have increasingly affected crop cycles in recent years.Further, he encouraged farmers to use mobile-based agricultural advisory services, weather forecasting apps, and digital marketplaces to directly connect with buyers and reduce dependence on middlemen.
Bharat Priye noted that J&KUT holds tremendous potential in apple cultivation, saffron, basmati rice, rajma, walnut production, floriculture, organic vegetables, dairy, sheep rearing, and beekeeping. However, due to inadequate infrastructure and weak marketing systems, farmers often fail to get remunerative prices.He stressed the urgent need for the establishment of cold storage chains in rural belts to prevent post-harvest losses and ensure better price realization for farmers. He also called for the creation of food processing and packaging units at the district level so that agricultural produce can be properly processed, graded, and marketed in a competitive manner.
He emphasized the importance of strengthening mandi infrastructure to facilitate transparent trading and efficient market access for farmers. Furthermore, he urged the authorities to ensure direct procurement of produce and effective implementation of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) wherever applicable, so that farmers receive fair and remunerative returns for their hard work.He also advocated promoting export-oriented production through proper branding and quality certification to help local produce compete in national and international markets. “Value addition is the key to increasing farmer income. Selling raw produce will never ensure prosperity; processing and branding will,” he remarked.
Bharat Priye strongly urged the Government to treat agriculture as a priority sector rather than a routine administrative department. He demanded enhanced subsidies for farm machinery, simplified loan procedures for small and marginal farmers, universal crop insurance coverage, and time-bound compensation for crop losses due to natural calamities.He further called for the expansion of irrigation canals and the promotion of micro-irrigation projects to ensure adequate and efficient water supply to farmlands. He emphasized the need for the timely availability of fertilizers and quality seeds so that farmers can plan and execute their cropping cycles without disruption.
He also stressed the importance of strengthening agricultural extension services at the village level to provide farmers with regular technical guidance and updated scientific knowledge. Additionally, he advocated for the formation of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and extending adequate financial support to them in order to enhance farmers’ collective bargaining power and market access.He underscored the need to place special focus on engaging youth in agri-startups and agri-entrepreneurship to modernize the sector and generate employment opportunities in rural areas. He stated that unless rural infrastructure is strengthened in a comprehensive manner, farmers from the region will not be able to compete effectively in national and international markets.
Highlighting the growing threat of climate change, Bharat Priye said that unpredictable weather patterns have made farming increasingly risky. He demanded a comprehensive climate adaptation strategy for J&KUT, including crop diversification plans, weather insurance coverage, and scientific advisory systems at the block level.He emphasized that farmers must be protected against economic shocks, as their vulnerability directly impacts rural stability.“The economic well-being of farmers determines the economic health of Jammu and Kashmir. When farmers earn well, rural markets flourish, small businesses grow, employment increases, and migration reduces,” Bharat Priye asserted. He said strengthening agriculture will automatically boost allied sectors such as transport, storage, food processing, dairy, and handicrafts, thereby ensuring balanced regional development.
Reiterating the commitment of the JKPCC Kissan Department, Bharat Priye assured that the organization will continue to raise farmers’ concerns vigorously at every appropriate platform. He pledged to push for policy reforms, transparent implementation of schemes, and accountability in agricultural governance. In conclusion, he stated that agriculture is not merely a livelihood — it is the foundation of food security, economic resilience, and social stability in J&KUT. He called for collective action by farmers, policymakers, research institutions, and civil society to transform the agricultural sector into a modern, profitable, and sustainable pillar of prosperity.