Srinagar, June 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Competitiveness Improvement in Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP) on Thursday, which is expected to be a game changer for the agriculture sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
Valued at Rs 1800 crore, the JKCIP will be implemented across 90 blocks in 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The project aims to benefit 300,000 households, reaching approximately 1.5 million beneficiaries.
“The project’s objective is to enhance the competitiveness of farmers through a value chain approach, emphasizing the export of high-value agricultural commodities and the development of business incubation centers and start-up support,” a senior official said.
The JKCIP comprises four components, including value chain support with an export focus, incubation and start-up support, support to vulnerable communities, and project management. The project will be implemented over seven years (2023-2030) across all districts of J&K.
“The project will generate several positive outcomes that will further complement the growth of agriculture and allied sectors in J&K, including the export promotion of potential agricultural commodities and GGAP practices. These will encourage export promotion through GI tagging, promotion of niche crops, certifications, quality control, laboratory/logistics support, branding facilities, marketing platforms, and the development of an organized value chain,” a senior official said.
“The project will also support activities focusing on tribal and other vulnerable communities that inhabit some of the most vulnerable landscapes, such as hillsides, rangelands, and semi-arid and arid lands, relying on climate-sensitive natural resources for their livelihood. IFAD will promote environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices for them,” he added.
The implementation of JKCIP is part of the government’s larger efforts to go beyond the objectives of the Holistic Agricultural Development Plan (HADP) to capture opportunities in global trade by tapping into J&K’s competitive advantage, including agro-climatic diversity, monopoly in the production of default organic crops (walnut, almond, cherries), year-round vegetable production, niche crop advantage, and pristine climate. This advantage catalyzes the opportunity to export high-value agricultural commodities. In addition to the provisions of HADP, concerted measures will be implemented through JKCIP to create an enabling environment to reform agricultural sectors and achieve better price realization.
