From Farm to Global Market: JKCIP Aims to Revolutionise J&K Agriculture

Srinagar, June 23: In a landmark move set to revolutionise the agricultural landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Competitiveness Improvement in Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP) on Thursday. This ambitious initiative, valued at Rs 1800 crore, is poised to be a game changer for J&K's agriculture sector.

The JKCIP is an expansive project that will be implemented across 90 blocks in 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir. With its wide-reaching scope, the project aims to benefit 300,000 households, potentially impacting the lives of approximately 1.5 million beneficiaries. This extensive coverage demonstrates the government's intent to bring about comprehensive change in the agricultural sector of J&K.

Abdul Hamid, a 55-year-old apple farmer from Shopian district, expressed his optimism about the project. "For years, we've struggled with outdated farming methods and limited market access. This project gives us hope for a brighter future. If it can help us export our apples at better prices, it could change our lives," he said.

The JKCIP is designed to boost rural household incomes by enhancing various aspects of agriculture.

A senior official explained, "The project's objective is to enhance the competitiveness of farmers through a value chain approach, emphasising the export of high-value agricultural commodities and the development of business incubation centres and start-up support."

Zareena Begum, a saffron cultivator from Pampore, shared her excitement about the project's focus on niche crops. "Saffron is our pride, but we've faced challenges in marketing and getting fair prices. If this project can help us with branding and export, it could revive our traditional crop," she stated.

According to official sources, the primary objective of JKCIP is to contribute to a sustained increase in the incomes of rural households. This will be achieved by enhancing various aspects of agriculture, including pre-production, production, and post-production processes.

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 centres and start-up support.

The JKCIP is structured around four key components: value chain support with an export focus, incubation and start-up support, support to vulnerable communities, and project management. This multi-faceted approach ensures that the project addresses various aspects of agricultural development comprehensively. The implementation of the project is set to span seven years, from 2023 to 2030, covering all districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

One of the most significant aspects of the JKCIP is its focus on export promotion. A senior official explained, "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." This includes encouraging export promotion through various means such as GI tagging, promotion of niche crops, certifications, quality control measures, enhanced laboratory and logistics support, branding facilities, marketing platforms, and the development of an organised value chain.

The JKCIP also places a strong emphasis on supporting vulnerable communities. The project will focus on tribal and other vulnerable communities inhabiting some of the most challenging landscapes, including hillsides, rangelands, and semi-arid and arid lands. These communities often rely on climate-sensitive natural resources for their livelihood. To address their unique needs, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) will promote environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices.

The implementation of JKCIP is part of a larger strategy that goes beyond the objectives of the existing Holistic Agricultural Development Plan (HADP). It aims to capture opportunities in global trade by leveraging Jammu and Kashmir's unique competitive advantages. These include the region's agro-climatic diversity, its monopoly in the production of default organic crops (such as walnuts, almonds, and cherries), year-round vegetable production capabilities, niche crop advantages, and pristine climate.

By capitalizing on these strengths, the JKCIP seeks to create new opportunities for exporting high-value agricultural commodities. In addition to the provisions of HADP, the project will implement concerted measures to create an enabling environment for agricultural sector reforms and achieve better price realization for farmers.