J&K budget 2025-26: JKPICCA calls it progressive and farmer-friendly

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah tabled the 2025-26 budget on March 7 in the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory. The horticulture sector has got a special place in the budget. The Jammu and Kashmir Fruits and Vegetables Processing and Integrated Cold Chain Association (JKPICCA) has praised the budget, calling it progressive. The association thinks that it will benefit farmers along with boosting their economic conditions.

The highlight of the budget is the announcement of the promotion of high-density plantations and the setting up of six Controlled Atmosphere (CA) stores with a 30,000 MT capacity to help the pre-harvest and post-harvest sectors of horticulture. The government plans to expand CA storage facilities to 6 lakh MT, helping in the reduction of wastage and improving market access for farmers.

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The budget also focuses on helping farmers in the situation of climate change. Another highlight of the budget was the announcement of a Rs 50 crore allocation for the Crop Insurance Scheme, helping farmers in case they lose their crops amid weather and other natural calamities.

Emphasis is also given to expanding irrigation and canals. Youth is on the priority list; funds will be provided to them for their startups. The government is encouraging youths to become horticulture entrepreneurs and adopt innovative methods to boost their business.

With the outcome of the budget, JKPICCA believes that the Jammu and Kashmir government has been taking concrete steps to strengthen the horticulture sector in the Union Territory, benefiting farmers, businesses, and the economy as well.