Kulgam, Oct 27 (KNO): Chief Agriculture Officer (CAO) Kulgam, Farooq Ahmad Rishi, on Monday said there has been no decline in paddy cultivation across the district this year, with productivity reaching 80 quintals per hectare. He, however, expressed concern over the ongoing conversion of agricultural land into horticulture.
“About 20,000 hectares of land in Kulgam are under paddy cultivation. However, day by day, land conversion is taking place from agriculture to horticulture. I request that at least our rice bowl areas, particularly the low-lying areas, should not be permitted for conversion. The upper belts, which are suitable for fruit cultivation, can be converted, that is understandable,” Rishi told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
He said there should be an Act to prevent the conversion of paddy land, similar to the law enacted for saffron. “To protect saffron, a specific Act was enacted to stop land conversion; likewise, I request that similar protection be extended to the low-lying areas, especially those along the Jhelum from Anantnag to Baramulla,” he added.
Speaking about this year’s crop performance, the CAO said there has been no overall decline in productivity except in certain flood-affected areas. “As far as this year is concerned, there was no decline in productivity; it stands at 80 quintals per hectare. Decline was witnessed only in specific areas such as Qaimoh, which experienced flooding between September 3 and 4, causing minor losses. Those who suffered have been provided compensation through the SDRF, and also under the crop insurance scheme, which currently covers paddy, oilseeds, and maize,” he said.
The officer further requested that vegetable crops, particularly those cultivated in vineyard areas, be brought under the insurance ambit. “Many vegetable seedlings were damaged at Wanigund village, but under the MIDH (Mission on Integrated Development of Horticulture) scheme, we provided nearly Rs 3 lakh worth of vegetable seeds free of cost to the affected farmers. My humble request is that vegetables too should be covered under crop insurance,” he said.
Rishi said Kulgam has been identified under the ODOP (One District One Product) scheme for garlic production, and the district has made notable progress in both onion and garlic cultivation.
“This year, garlic has generated around Rs 16 crore, while onion has brought in nearly Rs 12 crore in revenue. Last year, garlic was cultivated on 160 hectares, which has now increased to 185 hectares, producing around 2,000 metric tonnes," he said.
Earlier, there was no specific incentive for garlic farmers, but now, under the JKCIP (Jammu and Kashmir Competitiveness in Agriculture and Allied Sectors) scheme, part of the HADP initiative, four blocks in Kulgam, including Devsar, Manzgam, D.K. Marg, and Behibagh, are covered, the officer said. Farmers from these blocks should contact the Agriculture Department to register themselves. "The cost of cultivation per kanal is around Rs 13,000, and under this scheme, they receive a 50% subsidy (Rs 6,500 per kanal) for crops like garlic and shallot (locally known as praan), both covered under this scheme for the first time,” he said.
Rishi urged youth to take part in post-harvest processing to increase local employment and exports. “Under the PMFME (Post Harvest Management) scheme, our youth can process garlic and shallot into products like paste or powder and export them to international markets, generating both employment and income locally,” he said.
He said that the Agriculture Department has established two high-tech onion nurseries in the district. “We have set up two hi-tech onion nurseries, one at Mirhama and another at Kilam, to provide farmers with quality seeds. Based on my previous experience in Shopian, I introduced a Japanese onion variety (T-821) from Takii Company, which we are cultivating in both hi-tech units. So far, around 80,000 saplings have been sold at a nominal rate of Rs 1 per sapling as per government norms,” he said.
Rishi said this red onion variety, which he personally tested, has exceptional qualities. “This variety has a six-month shelf life without sprouting and produces an average bulb weight of 492 grams per onion. We expect the onion cultivation area to rise from 210 hectares to 250 hectares,” he said.
“Garlic is not only yielding good returns but also boosting the district’s economy. If proper post-harvest management is ensured, we can even export our produce. Currently, garlic from other states like Gujarat, Pune, and Mumbai is being processed and exported abroad, not from here,” Rishi added—(KNO)