Jammu, April 8
Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah said he is worried about how unpredictable farming has become in the region. He pointed to erratic weather as a major risk for local farmers and stressed the need for strong government support.
At the opening of the Centre of Excellence for Entrepreneurship in Precision Vegetable and Floriculture Farming in Talab Tillo, Jammu, Abdullah said that farming families are facing greater losses due to untimely rains and extreme weather, such as the recent hailstorm in Shopian.
“Sometimes there is no rain when we need it, and at other times, there is so much rain in a single day that crops are damaged. Farmers in Shopian and other areas have suffered due to hailstorms,” Abdullah said.
The Chief Minister spoke about government efforts such as crop insurance, improved irrigation, and providing farmers with high-quality seeds to help them address these problems. He also said it is important to keep both large irrigation canals and smaller water channels in good condition so that all farmers have enough water.
Abdullah stated that the new centre will supply farmers with improved seeds and plant material, with additional centres planned for other districts. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increasing farmers’ incomes and strengthening the rural economy.
The Chief Minister pledged to utilize all available resources to support farmers and noted ongoing efforts to address unpredictable weather. Additional centres of excellence are planned across the region to provide quality supplies and enhance farmers’ resilience.
