J&K Govt approves prestigious project worth 146 crore rupees to promote niche crops as unique heritage of UT

In Jammu and Kashmir, the Government has approved a prestigious project worth 146 crore rupees to promote the niche crops as the unique heritage of the UT, which will be implemented in the next five years. 

The project aims at diversifying and expanding the area of niche crops over 11,100 hectare thus ensuring livelihood security for 1,11,000 targetted beneficiaries with a revenue realisation of Rs. 2,238 Crore. 

The initiative will focus on increasing production, improving livelihoods and enhancing market accessibility. This will be achieved through the establishment of nurseries and seed villages, infrastructure development, and collaboration with various partners and stakeholders. 

Pertinently, J&K is home to a diverse range of niche crops including Saffron, Kala



Zeera, Kashmiri Lal Mirch, Peanut, Anar Dana, Bhaderwah Rajmash, Hill Garlic, Mushkbudhji (aromatic rice), Red Rice and Shallot (Pran).

These crops are grown on an area of 32,000 hectare, with a total production of 24,000 metric tons making a substantial contribution of 945 crore rupees to the UT GDP. The main components of the project included the establishment of 5,226 nurseries/seed villages, which will generate 7750 job opportunities for unemployed youth working in the niche sector. 

Additionally, the project will take up the creation of one Mini Spice Park, two Modern Rice Mills and eleven grading and processing units in target clusters. The project will ensure human resource development for capacity building and employment generation.