The conversion of agricultural land for non-farm purposes in Kashmir is a serious concern, with over 78,000 hectares converted in the past six years.
The conversion of agricultural land for non-farm purposes in Kashmir is a serious concern, with over 78,000 hectares converted in the past six years. As a result, both rural and urban areas are affected due to shrinkage in cultivable land area. Experts note a shift from agricultural crops to horticultural crops, like apples, which have a higher price advantage. However, this shift, combined with the loss of arable land, may negatively impact food security of the region in the long run. Farmers, therefore, feel the government should take immediate action and protect agricultural land.