Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a comprehensive review meeting regarding implementation of the Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project in J&K (JKCIP).
The meeting, organised by the Agriculture Production Department, was attended by Principal Secretary, APD; VC, SKUAST, Jammu; MD, J&K Bank; MD, HADP; Deputy Commissioners; HoDs of Agriculture Departments; representatives from SKUAST, Kashmir and other concerned officers.
The meeting focused on the project's progress, annual work plan, financial mechanisms and future strategies to enhance the competitiveness and climate resilience of farmers across the UT.
During the review meeting, the Chief Secretary appreciated the project design and called for its effective implementation while meeting all the targets set for the ensuing financial year. He called upon the Bank authorities to integrate the bank processes with that of the JKCIP portal. He also asked them to create a loan product for making this programme a success.
The Chief Secretary stressed on giving swift approvals to the applications submitted by the applicants. He also impressed upon them to devise training modules for the trainers and beneficiaries to enhance their capacity to make their ventures a grand success.
During the review meeting, the Chief Secretary appreciated the design and structure of the project and emphasized the need for its effective and timely implementation, ensuring all targets set for the ensuing financial year are met. He urged the bank authorities to fully integrate their operational processes with the JKCIP portal to streamline service delivery and enhance coordination.
The Chief Secretary also called for creation of a tailored loan product to support implementation of the programme and ensure its long-term success.
Highlighting the need for efficiency and responsiveness, he directed all the concerned departments and institutions to ensure swift approvals of applications submitted by the beneficiaries.
Furthermore, the Chief Secretary impressed upon the importance of capacity-building initiatives, advising formulation of training modules for both the trainers and beneficiaries to empower them with the skills necessary to make their ventures successful.
While giving overview of this prestigious project, Principal Secretary, APD, Shailendra Kumar, revealed that the project encompasses a total investment of approximately US$ 217 million (Rs 1800 Cr). He informed that it has been designed to improve the competitiveness and climate resilience of farmers through enhanced production, value addition and marketing of high-value niche commodities in J&K.
Regarding the funding pattern, the Principal Secretary mentioned that the same constitutes substantial contributions from IFAD (46%), the UT (12%), beneficiary contributions (21%), private sector involvement (10%) and bank credit (10%), along with convergence support (2%).
MD, HADP, Sandeep Kumar, in his presentation, revealed that the JKCIP is structured around three main verticals including Climate-smart and Market-led Production (52% of total cost).
Elucidating further, he divulged that another vertical of the programme called Agri-business Ecosystem Development constitutes 33% of total cost. It aims at enterprise promotion, market promotion and incubation/startup support. The fourth vertical of Project Management encompasses 5% of total cost ensuring efficient oversight, monitoring, evaluation and knowledge management.
About the objectives of this project, it was given out that it targets to reach out to 3 lakh households (15 lakh individuals) across 90 blocks in both Jammu (45 blocks) and Kashmir (45 blocks) divisions. Special emphasis is being placed on vulnerable groups, including 141,000 women (47%), 90,000 youth (30%) and 30,000 individuals from other vulnerable communities (10%).
With respect to Annual Work Plan & Budget (AWPB) for 2025-26, it was informed that the same stands at Rs 150.06 crore. Key allocations included Rs 110.33 crore for climate-smart and market-led production, Rs 14.21 crore for agri-business ecosystem development and Rs 15.90 crore for supporting the pastoralists and other vulnerable communities.
Out of 172 approved activities for AWPB 2025-26, a procurement plan for 151 activities totaling Rs 138 crore has received IFAD's approval. This included consulting services, grants and goods. For 2025-26, Rs 75 crore has been released on Beams, with an additional Rs 12.50 crore advance drawal sanctioned by the Finance Department on July 15, 2025.
As of July 19, 2025, about 1240 farmers have been registered and 478 applications have been received, with key activities focusing on sheep/goat units, vegetable cultivation, water management, protected cultivation and apple crop management. Besides, a farmer-friendly loan product has been developed in collaboration with UTLBC, featuring a 10% marginal money with no processing charges, a moratorium period of up to 2 years and a repayment period of up to 8 years.
It was informed that various feasibility studies and business plans are underway for key sectors like Tulip, Saffron, Apple and Wool Value Chains. Besides, extensive HRD initiatives are being implemented, with interviews scheduled for various officer positions across departments to strengthen the human resources for effective implementation of this project.
The Chief Secretary emphasized the importance of timely execution and effective implementation of all planned activities to ensure successful achievement of JKCIP's objectives and upliftment of the agricultural and allied sectors in Jammu & Kashmir.
Pertinently, the rural credit workshops will commence in August to raise awareness among the farmers and stakeholders.