Shivraj Singh Chouhan Declares Construction of Rs 150-Crore Clean Plant Facility in Srinagar, Labels J&K Development Pivotal for 'Advanced India'
Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) is undergoing a significant transformation in its agricultural sector, marking the beginning of a strategic renaissance aimed at modernising and developing the region comprehensively. The vision extends to 2047, with the ambitious goal of building a ₹1 trillion agricultural economy by 2030 [1].
On July 3, 2025, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah convened a high-level meeting focusing on rural and agricultural development in J&K. The meeting resulted in the announcement of several key initiatives aimed at boosting agricultural growth and empowering farmers throughout the region [3].
One of the major announcements was the establishment of a ₹150 crore Clean Plant Centre in Srinagar, under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). This centre will focus on producing disease-free planting material for important crops such as apples, walnuts, almonds, and berries. Additionally, it will support private nurseries to ensure quality plant availability for farmers [3].
Another initiative involves the revitalisation of Kashmir's iconic saffron sector. This will be achieved through the establishment of a tissue culture lab, nursery, and a revised National Saffron Mission tailored to local conditions. An expert team will be formed to increase saffron productivity [3].
In an effort to improve soil health and regulate fertiliser use, Quality Control Labs will be set up in Kathua, Baramulla, and Anantnag. Moreover, plans are underway to optimise irrigation from canals to farmlands [3].
To widen farmer welfare coverage, land-allottee farmers lacking documentation will now be considered for benefits under the PM-KISAN income support scheme [3].
These measures are part of the Central Government's broader vision to integrate J&K’s agriculture with national development goals and to empower farmers through infrastructure, technology, and welfare programs [3][4]. The collaboration between Union and J&K governments underscores a cooperative effort to accelerate growth in the agriculture and rural sectors [4].
Other initiatives unveiled include the allocation of ₹4,200 crore under PMGSY Phase IV to improve rural roads in J&K, the rollout of the Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) aiming to bring horticulture crops under better insurance coverage, and a push for job creation through MGNREGA and youth training [1].
Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage facilities will now be eligible for subsidies up to 5,000 MT, and the current 18-month storage cap will be extended to 24 months [1]. The briefing closed with the Centre's commitment to accelerating J&K's growth across all sectors.
Local initiatives such as the 'Kisan Khidmat Ghar', a single-window centre for farmers, have been appreciated. Women-led Self Help Groups under NRLM have led to the rise of "Lakhpati Didis" and "Millionaire Didis," with some women earning over Rs 10 lakh annually [1]. No eligible farmer will be left out of the Kisan Credit Card scheme [1].
The Centre is also addressing concerns such as the issue of imported plant material becoming infected after a few years. In response, efforts are being made to bridge irrigation gaps between canals and farmlands [1].
In conclusion, J&K is in the midst of a strategic agricultural renaissance with clear targets and modern institutional support. The initiatives announced by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan provide a well-funded, multi-faceted approach to improve crop quality, boost iconic crop production, enhance infrastructure, and extend farmer welfare benefits throughout the region [1][3][4].
In light of the ongoing transformation in J&K, sports are not currently specified as part of the strategic renaissance or the development plans, which focus on modernizing the agricultural sector and empowering farmers. However, the collaboration between the Central Government and J&K government to accelerate growth in all sectors [3][4] suggests that sports might be incorporated in future initiatives aimed at comprehensive development. The establishment of Single-Window Centers for farmers like the 'Kisan Khidmat Ghar' [1] could potentially include resources and support for sports initiatives, fostering sports development alongside agricultural growth.
