Jammu, Mar 24: Peoples Conference Chairman and MLA Handwara Sajad Lone on Monday raised concerns over the low budget allocation for the horticulture sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
“There is a lot of scope in this industry to generate employment, but the budget allocation remains low. Day by day, job opportunities are shrinking, and this sector has the potential to grow,” Lone said while speaking in the assembly.
Highlighting the financial struggles of farmers, he stated that those engaged in traditional paddy farming barely manage to allocate Rs 2,500 after covering expenses, whereas high-gain industries offer significantly higher incomes. “If farmers earn well, they will continue agricultural activities. Otherwise, why would they grow rice just for the sake of tradition, even when it is not profitable?” he asked.
Lone warned that agricultural land is increasingly being diverted to real estate and other industries. “The law cannot indefinitely prevent land-use change. If farmers do not see financial returns, they will shift to other occupations,” he said, adding that government intervention or corporate investments are needed to ensure the sector remains viable.
He also pointed to challenges such as the cost burden on farmers despite subsidies, and the growing impact of global market dynamics on local agriculture. “Even with a 50% subsidy, many farmers struggle to afford the remaining costs. There is resistance to modernising agriculture because of financial constraints,” he said.
Lone urged the government to open doors for corporate investment or directly inject funds into the horticulture sector to support farmers. “Without this transition, a significant portion of agricultural land will be lost to non-agricultural purposes,” he said. (KNO)
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