WE THE PEOPLE
With growth of population remaining unchecked, implementation of ‘Food Security Mission’ has assumed urgency, priority
Hence people urge State Govt., to protect J&K Land Revenue Act and goad Agri-Scientists to adopt latest technologies to boost productivity
By: M. Shirjeel
Srinagar: With failure to control population, production of more and more foodgrains has assumed urgency in the country. This was realized by no less a person than the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, who laid emphasis on the launch of ‘Food Security Mission’ in 2007, when he was addressing 53rd National Development Council at New Delhi. He said raising production of rice, wheat, pulses and edible oils would bridge the gap between demand and supply and arrest hiking prices of these commodities. He urged the Planning Commission to prepare the outline of a major programme for providing central support to States to prepare localized agricultural plans. He also appealed to the NDC to devise an agricultural strategy that would yield tangible benefits to the Stakeholders in the short and medium term.
The then Chief Minister of J&K had welcomed the proposal and made a confession that the vision of Jammu and Kashmir is founded on its thriving agriculture as rapid growth in the sector could be the driving force for the overall economic growth of the State. He said this sector had suffered a major set back during the period of militancy and hence there was urgent need to transform this sector. He was right in saying that improvement in agriculture could result in higher real income for farmers, generate employment on a large scale and contribute to the prosperity of the State.
Hence it is for the present Chief Minister to realize the importance of agriculture which continues to be backbone of the country’s economy. Nearly 65 percent of country’s population is dependent on agriculture. Agriculture contributes to National GDP to the extent of 22 percent and provides raw material to many industries.
“ The availability of quality seed in case of oil seeds, pulses, horticulture crops and fisheries, therefore, becomes a crucial component of agriculturally-led growth and development. There is need to enhance quality seed production of agricultural crops both in terms of quantity and quality. There is also need to undertake rapid multiplication and sapling production including tissue culture, micro-propagation of fruits and ornamental crops. We have been facing lot of difficulties in procurement of seeds and fertilizers, which has caused a great dent to agricultural production. The government has also failed to provide us proper irrigation facilities to boost rice production. No doubt, some unscrupulous elements have converted paddy-growing areas into orchards and commercial establishments, which has reduced our production to a considerable extent. Now there is need for a well-devised strategy to grow more food out of minimum. Agro-scientists can play a dominant role in this direction and guide the farmers as to what should be done to boost production. The technologies have to be assessed and refined before their transfer and programme approach relevant to the farmers in varying farming situations”, said a group of knowledgeable persons of Kashmir valley.
However, it is to be kept in mind that Jammu and Kashmir State in general and Kashmir Valley in particular is endowed with good agro-climatic conditions that support growth to a large extent. Although violation of Jammu and Kashmir Land Revenue Act has caused a severe set back to the agricultural sector, yet credit goes to the judiciary that has stepped in and issued directions to the State Government to protect and preserve agricultural lands. In fact some unscrupulous elements have raised structures on saffron growing areas too which has affected the production of the main cash crop of the Valley. The Valley has the distinction of growing saffron of high quality, which has a very promising market not only in the country, but also across the globe. How sad it is that the land producing this precious crop has dwindled down to a large extent.
Hence people urge State Govt., to protect J&K Land Revenue Act and goad Agri-Scientists to adopt latest technologies to boost productivity The State Government must take all measures to restore the pristine glory of the Valley by retrieving the lost land. We have no dearth of experts, who can work out wonders if they put their heads together to help the State in growing more food. The Central Government should also come forward and implement the suggestion put forth by no less a person than the Prime Minister of India.
More 
