Jammu and Kashmir is becoming known for its advancements in agricultural technology. Innovative farming projects are positively impacting the region. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has launched a mission to increase farmers’ income in Kashmir by using precise agricultural techniques for crops like saffron, apples, and rice. Advanced technologies such as Soil Optix and UAV-based multispectral imaging are being used to improve soil nutrition, irrigation, and pest control.
Recently, the director of agriculture in Kashmir, Chowdhury Mohammad Iqbal, visited the Hi-tech Agro-Forestry Nursery in Jalsheeri, Baramulla. He emphasized the importance of government-sponsored agrotech projects and the need for different departments to work together. He also urged farmers to learn about the Bio Control Laboratory & Seed Testing Laboratory under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme.
During his visit, Iqbal also inspected the Spawn Production Lab cum Demonstration Centre and encouraged the promotion of small-scale agricultural industries like mushroom cultivation.
These technology initiatives are transforming farming in Jammu and Kashmir, making it more efficient, sustainable, and profitable for local farmers. Additionally, the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) Kashmir held a one-day training session at Dangithal Tulial to teach farmers about new pest control methods for vegetables like peas and potatoes.
Led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie and Director of Research Prof. Haroon Ahmad Naik, the program focused on biocontrol methods for pests like cutworms, white grubs, and aphids. Experts provided over 30 farmers with demonstration kits, including pheromone and sticky traps, as part of the HADP project funded by the J&K Government. The training highlighted organic pest control using biopesticides and botanicals, which is important for Gurez’s status as an organic agriculture zone.
Jammu and Kashmir has also seen a rise in other agricultural technologies like high-density planting, polyhouses for protected cultivation, and drip irrigation systems. The region has embraced cold storage facilities and digital platforms for better supply chain management. These advancements help farmers use resources more efficiently, improve crop yields, and adapt to climate challenges, transforming agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir.