FCIK pushes for mission mode HADP to drive agripreneurship, self-sufficiency & trade balance
SRINAGAR: The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) has strongly urged the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, to take the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) forward in a Mission Mode, with the appointment of a dedicated Mission Director to ensure focused implementation, real-time monitoring and effective resolution of initial teething challenges of the programme.
FCIK lauded the architects and policymakers who conceived the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), describing it as one of the most visionary and comprehensive interventions in J&K’s agrarian economy.
While the programme is still in its infancy, its strong design now calls for clear direction, mission-driven leadership and assured budgetary support, and the Chamber expressed confidence that under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s stewardship, HADP can be guided onto a smooth and sustainable flight path.
FCIK emphasized that, if effectively implemented, the programme has the potential to transform rural livelihoods, turn farmers into Agripreneurs, enhance self-sufficiency, improve the balance of trade, and reduce import dependence.
From an industry and enterprise perspective, FCIK noted that HADP is not merely an agricultural support scheme, but a strategic economic transformation programme. It lays a strong foundation for transitioning agriculture from subsistence-driven activity into formal, organised and scalable agri-enterprises, aligned with broader objectives of industrial growth, manufacturing expansion, employment generation, value addition and import substitution under a “Make in J&K” framework.
FCIK highlighted that HADP redefines agriculture as an enterprise ecosystem, with its multiple identified segments designed around bankable, revenue-generating business models. This transition, the Chamber emphasized, is critical for feeding quality raw material into agro-processing, food processing and allied industries, thereby strengthening upstream and downstream industrial linkages.
The Chamber further underscored that by promoting formal registration of units, institutional credit linkages, insurance coverage and end-to-end value chain integration, HADP facilitates the formalisation of agricultural activity and enables the creation of sustainable, dignified and formal employment, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
Expressing concern over Jammu & Kashmir’s continued dependence on imports of poultry, milk, livestock products, vegetables, spices, seeds and processed agri-goods, FCIK stated that HADP, if fully supported and uniformly implemented, can progressively substitute these imports, retain capital within the Union Territory and strengthen local supply chains.
From the perspective of industrial development, FCIK noted that HADP provides a robust foundation for agro-based manufacturing, including food processing, cold storage, warehousing, logistics, packaging, branding and marketing. Over time, this ecosystem can significantly expand the agro-industrial landscape of J&K and create strong synergies with MSMEs, industrial estates and export-oriented units.
FCIK also emphasized that HADP opens structured avenues for private sector participation, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), cooperatives, processors, manufacturers, input suppliers and service providers, which is essential for achieving scale, efficiency and long-term sustainability.
The Chamber informed that it has taken up the matter of Mission Mode implementation of HADP during the pre-budget consultations with the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and has also incorporated it as part of detailed suggestions under its recommendations for the renewed industrial policy.
FCIK stressed that the success of HADP hinges on adequate, predictable and ring-fenced budgetary support, timely release of funds, seamless institutional credit linkage and strong convergence with industrial policy, MSME development, Make in India / Make in J&K initiatives and export promotion frameworks.
FCIK reiterated that appointing a full-time Mission Director with clearly defined authority and accountability would help ensure focused execution, faster decision-making, coordinated inter-departmental convergence and effective addressing of initial operational challenges, thereby unlocking the full transformative potential of HADP.
The forthcoming budget, FCIK stated, presents a critical opportunity to reinforce this flagship initiative and translate its vision into durable, measurable and long-term economic outcomes, positioning agriculture as a powerful catalyst for rural industrialisation, enterprise creation and inclusive growth in Jammu & Kashmir.