SRINAGAR: A recent Indian government report has exposed the agriculture sector’s vulnerability in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), attributing it to land conversion, dwindling natural resources, and the effects of climate change.
The report conducted a SWOT analysis, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of the sector, while also identifying potential opportunities for agricultural development.
Critical weaknesses in the region’s agriculture sector were underscored in the report, such as the prevalence of marginal and fragmented land holdings, limited mechanization, and low resource use efficiency. Furthermore, the report pointed out the presence of underdeveloped and non-existent value chains, unstable markets, and the adverse consequences of unplanned and irrational land use.
Of particular concern in the report was the dwindling and degradation of natural resources, especially arable land. The diversion of arable land for non-agricultural purposes, the increasing stressors from biotic and abiotic factors, and the impact of climate change collectively contribute to the sector’s vulnerability, as indicated in the report.
