Kashmir, with its vast expanses of fertile land and favourable climatic conditions, is also renowned for its farming practices, is vital to the economy of Jammu and Kashmir. Farming is the mainstay of the livelihoods of people living in districts such as Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Handwara, and Sopore. Many people depend on farming, horticulture, and other farming practices for their sustenance. However, due to factors such as climate change, reduction in soil fertility, erratic rains, water shortages, and increased population pressures, traditional farming practices have proved inadequate. Here, sustainable agriculture has become an indispensable requirement.
Sustainable agriculture entails methods of agricultural production that address current agricultural requirements without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their requirements. The main emphasis of sustainable agriculture lies in resource protection, improved soil fertility, water conservation, and minimizing environmental harm.
Amongst the new agricultural techniques used in North Kashmir, high-density planting of orchard plants like apples comes to the fore as one of the major ones. Planting of apples is the main source of income for the people of North Kashmir, Sopore, which is referred to as the “Apple Town of Kashmir.” Conventional apple orchards take several years to bear fruit, and their yield is also not so high. In contrast, high-density planting involves planting of apple plants in dwarf form at high density using root stocks like M9 and M26. For instance, there has been a gradual shift among the local farmers in Sopore and Baramulla regions from conventional orchards to high-density orchards of apples due to the promotion of government-sponsored horticulture schemes.
While in the past, it took farmers at least 8-10 years before harvesting apples from their conventional orchards, with the HDP technique, they can harvest after only 2-3 years. Furthermore, HDP orchards facilitate easy penetration of sunlight, pruning, and spraying of pesticides and hence offer quality fruits and higher income.
A third essential component is the sustainable agricultural practices in North Kashmir, relates to the adoption of advanced methods of irrigation. Traditionally, farming in Kashmir has relied on precipitation, melting of ice, and water from the natural streams. Unfortunately, the climate changes have made weather patterns unpredictable, thus affecting the availability of water.
Modern irrigation technologies include drip and sprinkler irrigation. The application of water through drip irrigation is done in a controlled manner to reach the plant roots directly without any water wastage. Drip irrigation plays an important role in avoiding soil erosion. It is very effective for use in orchards and vegetable farming. Sprinkler irrigation ensures an even distribution of water over the field and is useful in uneven terrain that exists in the hills of the northern part of Kashmir. For example, farmers growing vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, and beans in Kupwara and Bandipora have started using sprinklers in their farming activities. It helps in saving labour and manages the quantity of water applied efficiently. Another example is the use of drip irrigation by apple farmers, resulting in better tree growth and production of quality fruits.
Organic farming is also one of the most important aspects of sustainable agriculture in north Kashmir. It does not involve the heavy use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Instead, it promotes the use of natural techniques like manuring through composts, vermiculture, crop rotation and biological pest management techniques.
Organic farming has the benefits of better soil fertility, biodiversity conservation and healthy agricultural products. The North Kashmir region has the immense capacity for organic farming because of its largely pollution-free environment and fertile soils. The farmers in places like Tangmarg, Handwara, and Bandipora have already begun growing organic varieties of vegetables, pulses, and medicinal crops such as saffron.
Kashmiri organic crops are becoming famous in national and international markets because consumers favour chemical-free food. One example could be that of growing organic rajma and vegetables by the local farmers in Kupwara district. The farmers make use of cow dung manure and compost and avoid the use of chemical fertilizers which results in higher profits for them, along with reduced soil degradation in the long run. Furthermore, organic farming ensures the safety of the water bodies and minimizes the health risks due to exposure to chemicals.
Modern approaches to sustainability are not limited to crop cultivation but are now also applied in allied sectors such as dairying, poultry farming, and fisheries. Farmers apply scientific techniques in rearing livestock, improving the breed of cattle, vaccinations, and balanced feed intake. This improves the milk yield of cattle.
Another crucial method that has been adopted by contemporary agriculture is that of polyhouse and greenhouse agriculture. The harsh winters in North Kashmir make agriculture difficult for farmers. However, using polyhouses allows farmers to cultivate vegetables and flowers in an enclosed environment. Tomatoes, cucumbers, capsicum, and various types of leafy vegetables can be cultivated even during winter in a polyhouse.
For instance, many farmers belonging to the younger generation in Baramulla have been utilizing polyhouses through schemes initiated by the government. Growing vegetables out of season in a polyhouse increases their market value and employs rural youths and women. Technology and mechanization have also changed agriculture in North Kashmir.
Farmers are using tractors, power tillers, spray pumps and other modern equipment for reducing labour costs and for increasing efficiency. Extension services and mobile technology provide farmers with weather updates, market updates and technical assistance. The establishment of soil test laboratories has helped the farmers to know the condition of soil nutrients and fertilisers.
The government’s support schemes in North Kashmir are very important for the promotion of sustainable and modern agriculture practices. The Jammu & Kashmir government, in association with the Government of India, is offering many support schemes that help farmers both financially and technically. Some of the important schemes include HADP (Holistic Agriculture Development Programme), PMKSY (Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana), and MIDH (Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture). In these programs, subsidies are provided to farmers for the installation of drip irrigation systems, high-density apple plantation projects, polyhouse farming, farm machinery, and organic farming projects. Training camps and awareness campaigns are organized by the Department of Agriculture and Horticulture from time to time to make the farmers aware of scientific techniques.
Despite all these positive trends, there remain some major challenges faced by sustainable agriculture in North Kashmir. Natural calamities such as untimely snowfall, floods, and droughts also endanger agricultural activities. Hence, continued governmental efforts, education, research and infrastructural development are needed for making agriculture sustainable.
To sum up, the practice of sustainable agriculture and modern farming is changing the face of agriculture in North Kashmir. High-density plantation, drip irrigation, organic farming, polyhouse farming, and advanced animal management practices are proving to be helpful in increasing production as well as preserving natural resources.
