Only 42% of JK’s net sown area under irrigation, 58% gap persists

Srinagar: Only around 42% of Jammu and Kashmir’s net sown area was under irrigation during 2023-24, leaving nearly 58% without assured irrigation coverage and exposing a large share of agricultural land to dependence on rainfall and other seasonal water availability.

Government data cited in a recent assessment showed the net irrigated area at about 3.10 lakh hectares against the net sown area, highlighting the continuing gap in irrigation coverage across the Union Territory.

The data also points to significant regional variation, with several districts having comparatively higher irrigation coverage while parts of the hilly Jammu region continue to have large areas dependent on rain-fed agriculture.

The government has been expanding irrigation infrastructure through various schemes. Under the Watershed Development Component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, official data shows additional areas being brought under irrigation during successive financial years.

The irrigation gap remains significant for agriculture, particularly as variations in rainfall and water availability can directly affect crop production and farm incomes. [KNT]