JAMMU, February 17: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly passed grants for the Agriculture, Rural Development, Animal and Sheep Husbandry, Horticulture, Fisheries, Cooperatives, and Elections Departments through a voice vote after a day-long discussion.
Responding to the discussion, Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmed Dar termed agriculture and allied sectors as the "lifeline" of J&K's economy, stating that they contribute ₹41,273 crore—19% of the State's Gross Domestic Product (SGDP). He highlighted the expansion of cultivable land, growth in horticulture, oilseeds, apiculture, and mushroom production, as well as increased focus on high-density plantations and Controlled Atmosphere storage.
The Minister said that milk production is targeted to increase from 30 lakh MT to 43 lakh MT by 2030, with new milk processing plants and imported high-quality livestock to boost productivity. He also announced the launch of an Aromatic and Medicinal Plants Mission and the implementation of the Restructured Weather-Based Insurance Scheme for key crops.
In Rural Development, he said that significant progress was made under MGNREGA, PMAY-G, and the Swachh Bharat Mission, alongside the strengthening of Self Help Groups under UMEED.
Dar also announced the launch of one "Viksit Village" in every Assembly constituency under the UT's Capex 2026–27 to promote model rural development.
The MLAs later withdrew their cut motions after the Minister assured that the issues raised would be addressed.