Srinagar, Sep 25 (KNS) The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced a comprehensive agricultural development plan for the Lolab constituency in north Kashmir's Kupwara district, disclosing that financial assistance totalling over Rs 3.56 crore has already been disbursed to local farmers under various flagship schemes.
Replying to a starred question raised by MLA Qaysar Jamshaid Lone in the autumn session of legislative assembly, the Agriculture Production Department as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) said the interventions are aimed at enhancing farm income, expanding irrigation coverage, and modernising post-harvest infrastructure in the region.
According to the official reply, Lolab — recognised as a vital agricultural belt — has witnessed substantial government intervention through schemes such as the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and CAPEX. As many as 4,226 applications have been approved and units established, with Rs 269.88 lakh disbursed to beneficiaries.
Giving a scheme-wise breakdown, the government as per KNS said 127 beneficiaries received Rs 15.75 lakh under JKCIP, while 1,867 farmers were provided Rs 33.62 lakh under PM-KISAN. Under Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), 422 beneficiaries received Rs 37.44 lakh.
The reply noted that Lolab comprises four sub-divisions, with Sogam being one of its development blocks where a Sub-Divisional Agriculture Office is functional. Of the 9,134 hectares under agriculture and horticulture plantations, 47 per cent (4,320.44 ha) is irrigated, while 53 per cent (4,813.6 ha) remains unirrigated. Another 1,213 hectares have been classified as uncultivable.
The government said 15 key schemes are being implemented in the constituency, including HADP, JKCIP, PMKSY, KCC, Seed Village Programme, Farm Mechanization, Protected Cultivation, and Natural Farming.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelAs many as 28 Kisan Khidmat Ghars (KKGs) and 28 Krishi Udyamis are currently functional in the subdivision. Under JKCIP, 127 units have been established across Sogam block during 2025-26.
On infrastructure, the government as per KNS affirmed its intent to strengthen irrigation, storage, post-harvest management, and market linkage facilities through convergence of ongoing Agriculture, Horticulture, and allied-sector schemes. Priority is being given to restoration of irrigation infrastructure, promotion of drip and sprinkler irrigation, and efficient utilisation of water resources under CAPEX, NABARD, SASCI, PDMC, HADP, and MIDH.
Efforts are also underway for development of storage, grading, sorting, packaging, and processing facilities to reduce post-harvest losses and improve value realisation of produce.
For small and marginal farmers, the government listed measures including promotion of high-value crops and high-density orchards under HADP/MIDH, restoration of irrigation facilities under PMRKVY/PDMC, provision of farm machinery through Custom Hiring Centres, formation of FPOs for better market linkage, and promotion of allied activities such as dairy, sheep/goat rearing, poultry, and beekeeping.
Farmer training, demonstrations, and technical guidance are being provided through the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments in collaboration with SKUAST.
The Government stated that these interventions are aimed at increasing productivity, reducing cultivation and post-harvest losses, and improving farm incomes, subject to scheme guidelines and availability of funds. (KNS)