Jammu and Kashmir Set to Establish a Clean Plant Center Worth Rs 150 Crore; Shivraj Singh Chouhan Encourages Students to Delve into Agricultural Innovations at the SKUAST-K Graduation Ceremony
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited Jammu and Kashmir in July 2025, where he outlined a comprehensive six-point strategy aimed at transforming the region's agriculture and making it a global horticulture powerhouse.
During his visit, Chouhan announced the setting up of a Rs 150 crore Clean Plant Center in Srinagar, under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). This center will provide disease-free, high-quality planting material for apples, almonds, walnuts, and berries, reducing dependence on imported and virus-contaminated planting materials.
The strategy also includes the promotion of high-density plantations and modern horticulture practices to increase productivity and quality of crops like apples. Chouhan emphasized the need to support private nurseries through subsidies and the establishment of modern tissue culture labs to propagate best varieties locally and provide farmers with quality planting materials.
In addition, Chouhan highlighted the importance of including horticulture crops under crop insurance schemes, such as the soon-to-be-launched Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme, to safeguard farmers’ interests. He also stressed the need for documentation and inclusion of land-allotted farmers in government schemes like PM-KISAN to ensure wider access to financial support, even for those lacking formal land documents.
Another key aspect of the strategy is the promotion of sustainable and natural farming methods and the implementation of key missions like the National Oilseeds Mission to enhance agricultural sustainability and self-reliance in the region.
Speaking at the sixth convocation of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K), Chouhan lauded the efforts of the institution, calling it a nationally and globally recognized institution. He urged students to "move forward with purpose" and serve the nation with dedication.
Chouhan also emphasized the critical role of agriculture in India's future and expressed a desire for Kashmiri apples to reach international markets, reducing India's need to import apples. The convocation ceremony was attended by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Deputy CM Rajendra Chaudhary, Education Minister Sakina Masood, and other senior officials and dignitaries.
During his visit, Chouhan conducted a thorough review with the Chief Minister on agriculture and rural development and visited border villages with agricultural scientists, emphasizing the need for development to reach remote corners of the country. This six-point strategy aligns with the government’s vision to develop Jammu and Kashmir as a significant and self-reliant player in the global horticulture market.
[1] PTI (2025). Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announces setting up of Rs 150 crore Clean Plant Center in J&K under MIDH scheme. The Economic Times. Retrieved from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/union-agriculture-minister-shivraj-singh-chouhan-announces-setting-up-of-rs-150-crore-clean-plant-center-in-j-k-under-midh-scheme/articleshow/91297140.cms
[2] Press Trust of India (2025). Shivraj Singh Chouhan unveils six-point strategy to boost horticulture in J&K. The Indian Express. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/jammu/shivraj-singh-chouhan-unveils-six-point-strategy-to-boost-horticulture-in-j-k-7969871/
[3] Press Trust of India (2025). Shivraj Singh Chouhan reiterates govt's commitment to empower farmers, transform J&K into global horticulture hub. Business Standard. Retrieved from https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/shivraj-singh-chouhan-reiterates-govt-s-commitment-to-empower-farmers-transform-j-k-into-global-horticulture-hub-125162101027_1.html
[4] Press Trust of India (2025). Shivraj Singh Chouhan describes Jammu and Kashmir as the "crown jewel of India". The Hindu. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/shivraj-singh-chouhan-describes-jammu-and-kashmir-as-the-crown-jewel-of-india/article39271253.ece
The Union Agriculture Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, underscored the importance of including horticulture crops under crop insurance schemes, such as the Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme, to safeguard farmers’ interests. He also advocated for the documentation and inclusion of land-allotted farmers in financial support schemes like PM-KISAN for wider access to financial support.
The strategy for transforming Jammu and Kashmir's agriculture into a global horticulture powerhouse also focuses on promoting finance and modern practices. Chouhan emphasized the need to support private nurseries through subsidies and the establishment of modern tissue culture labs to propagate high-quality planting materials locally.
