Urges Government and Corporate Investment in High-Density Farming
Sajad Lone Raises Farmers’ Concerns, Calls for Govt Action on Horticulture, Rural Development
JAMMU, Mar 25: Handwara MLA Sajad Gani Lone on Monday voiced strong concerns in the Legislative Assembly over challenges faced by farmers, the horticulture sector, and rural development, urging the government to take immediate corrective measures.
Addressing the House, Lone criticized the inadequate budget allocation for agriculture, despite its potential to reduce unemployment. He emphasized that traditional farming is becoming less viable and called for a shift toward high-density farming.
“Farmers cannot be forced to cultivate paddy when high-density farming offers better financial returns. Paddy cultivation barely saves Rs 2,500, whereas high-density crops can yield up to Rs 70,000. If farmers earn more, they can buy better rice instead of struggling to grow it,” he stated.
The People’s Conference (PC) Chief urged both government and corporate investment in high-density farming, noting that many farmers, even with subsidies, lack the financial resources to transition. He warned that without financial backing, agricultural land would continue to be lost to real estate development.
Lone also raised concerns over the proposed removal of import duties on American apples, warning that it would severely impact the local apple industry. He urged the government to take immediate protective measures to safeguard domestic growers.
Highlighting the spread of spurious pesticides, he called for stricter laws, stating that the current punishment of one to two years was insufficient to deter violators.
Referring to a past apple cluster scheme in Shopian, Lone noted that corporate intervention had been suggested but required further progress.
On rural development, he pointed out irregularities in labor and material payments, leading to pending wages worth crores across Kashmir and Jammu. He demanded an immediate resolution, stating that workers should not suffer due to administrative lapses.
He also raised concerns about Jackford employees, noting that the agency had been shut down without ensuring retirement pensions. He emphasized that 35 employees had passed away without receiving their dues and called for urgent government intervention.
Lone urged authorities to take immediate steps to support farmers, protect the horticulture sector, and resolve pending wage and pension issues affecting thousands across the valley.
