JK ranks third in average farmers’ household income, says Navin K Choudhary

“According to a recent NITI Aayog survey, J&K has jumped to overall fifth rank, in agriculture and allied sectors within a year. The UT now holds third rank in average farmers’ household income," he said.

Sharing his aim of boosting horticulture in untapped regions of J&K, he said that the Horticulture Department had planted 10 lakh plants last year and expects three times more this year.

"The Horticulture Department aims to promote cultivation of Aloe vera and lemongrass in water deficient areas of the UT,” he added.

Elucidating various handholding schemes for farmers’ welfare being run by the J&K government, the Principal Secretary informed that under the Integrated Dairy Development Scheme, J&K will become 30 percent surplus in milk production.

Similarly, under Parvaz, farmers are being given 50 percent subsidy on air cargo, thereby helping their produce reach international markets in Sharjah and Dubai and eight major cities across India.

It was revealed that the department is also looking to push towards making the union territory self-sufficient in cattle feed requirements.