Jammu, Apr 8: Highlighting the growing impact of erratic weather patterns on agriculture, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Tuesday that farming has become increasingly unpredictable, with farmers facing losses due to untimely rainfall and extreme weather events.
“When we need rain, sometimes we do not get it. Then when the rain comes, we get a month’s rain in just 24 hours. We often sell our crops and get rain. Look at Shopian and other areas. How much damage has been caused by the hailstorm,” Abdullah said.
The chief minister made these remarks after inaugurating the Centre of Excellence for Entrepreneurship in Precision Vegetable and Floriculture Farming at Talab Tillo in Jammu, developed under the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) at a project cost of Rs 5.929 crore.
The foundation stone for the facility was laid by Abdullah on August 4, 2025.
The chief minister took a detailed tour of the facility and lauded the Agriculture Production Department for establishing hi-tech infrastructure in a record time.
Calling it the government’s responsibility to support farmers, Abdullah said, “In these circumstances, when farming is impacted by extreme weather events, it is the government’s responsibility to help the farmers as much as possible.
“We cannot change the weather. The weather is for everyone. But at least we should reduce the effects of the weather, the dangers of the weather,” he said.
The chief minister stressed measures, such as crop insurance, assured irrigation and improved infrastructure, to mitigate risks.
“Whether in crop insurance, agriculture or horticulture, priority must be given to providing comprehensive support, particularly ensuring assured water supply through irrigation,” he said.
He also stressed the need to strengthen irrigation at the grassroots level, noting that while major canals are often maintained, smaller channels — especially at the tail-end — are frequently neglected.
Abdullah said directions have been issued to ensure the cleaning of these last-mile canals so that water reaches farmers effectively.
Referring to the centres of excellence in agriculture and allied sectors, he said these are aimed at providing high-quality plant material and seeds to farmers, enabling them to significantly enhance their earnings.
Emphasising the critical role of quality inputs, the chief minister said “as long as we provide plant material to the farmers, as long as we do not provide the proper quality of the seed, it is injustice to them”.
“Because the poor farmer puts the seed in the ground, then works hard and if the seed is not of the right quality, then all the hard work of the farmer is wasted,” he said, adding that this newly-established centre of excellence would address this gap.
Abdullah called for replicating such facilities across districts.
“This should be done in the other districts so that right-quality plant material can be delivered to us at the right time,” he said.
Reiterating his government’s commitment, Abdullah said all available resources, including finance and planning, will be used to support the Agriculture Production Department.
He promised continued support to farmers and local representatives, stating that efforts will be made to strengthen those involved in agriculture and enhance their incomes, while serving their areas to the best extent possible.
