Agricultural Development and Crop Diversification in Jammu and Kashmir

The agricultural development in the mountainous regions is circumscribed by the mountain specificities that distinguish them from the plains and other eco-systems. As a result,the mountains faces serious problems of dwindling crop yields and resource degradation which may aggravate further if remedial measures are not undertaken immediately. In this regard, Jammu and Kashmir is no exception like other mountaneous regions of the country and abroad. Increase in the agricultural output would, therefore, have to be achieved only through intensification and diversification of agriculture and rational land use. Against this background; study,firstly, tried to look at the trends in the cropping pattern of different crops in the state at district level; secondly, to study the patterns and processes of agricultural development and crop diversification in different districts; and finally, to examine the determinants of agricultural development and crop diversification. The significance of the study lies in drawing important lessons for the welfare of the farmers and for effective policy framework, thereby, improving the economy of the state