DC Budgam Approves 132 Cases under JKCIP and 213 under ISDS to Boost Agriculture & Allied Sectors in the District

Budgam, August 28: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat (IAS), today chaired an meeting regarding the Jammu and Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement in Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP) and the Integrated Sheep Development Scheme (ISDS) at the New Conference Hall, DC Office Complex Budgam.
The meeting was convened to evaluate and approve eligible applications received from various Agriculture and Allied Departments.
After thorough deliberations, the DC approved a total of 132 applications under JKCIP, including 65 in Agriculture, 32 in Horticulture, 27 in Sheep Husbandry, and 08 in Fisheries. Similarly, under Integrated Sheep Development Scheme (ISDS), 213 cases were approved across Budgam district.
The JKCIP scheme is being implemented in 08 blocks of Budgam ie, Nagam, Beerwah, B.K. Pora, Budgam, Khansahib, Khag, Chadoora, and Charar-i-Sharief.
Under the project, beneficiaries will be extended assistance for installation of borewells, cultivation of aromatic species, Shallot,hill garlic,mushroom,saffron area expansion, development of high-yield orchards, solar fencing, construction of sheep sheds, supply of trolleys, and other modern interventions aimed at improving productivity and sustainability.
While reviewing the schemes, the DC stressed that agriculture and allied sectors remain the backbone of Budgam’s rural economy, and such government interventions are instrumental in providing direct livelihood support, skill enhancement, and better market competitiveness to farmers and youth.
The DC said that these approvals mark a significant step towards improving farmers’ access to modern infrastructure, sustainable practices, and diversified income avenues. He added that the objective is not just to provide financial assistance but also to ensure capacity building and long-term sustainability of the projects sanctioned.
The DC directed the concerned officers to facilitate speedy implementation of approved cases and provide handholding support to all beneficiaries. He emphasized that officers must work in close coordination with farmers to ensure that every project from borewell installation to orchard development is executed on ground in a time-bound, transparent, and accountable manner.
The DC further highlighted that Budgam has tremendous potential in horticulture, livestock, and fisheries which, if tapped properly, can transform the socio-economic landscape of the district. He noted that saffron expansion, aromatic species cultivation, and solar fencing will not only improve crop security and yields but also open doors for greater export opportunities.
Regarding ISDS, the DC said that approving 213 cases in one go will give a big push to the sheep sector, which is a traditional and promising livelihood in the district.
He underlined the need for strengthening animal health support services, market linkages, and fodder availability to ensure that the scheme benefits are maximized for sheep rearers.
The DC remarked that the vision behind these schemes is to create a self-reliant and modernized agriculture ecosystem in Budgam, where every farmer and livestock holder has access to the latest technology, infrastructure, and government support. He said that this will not only improve production but also generate more employment opportunities for rural youth.
The meeting was attended by CPO, ACP, CAO, CAHO, CHO, DSHO, DSO, AMO,AD fisheries,Representatives from NABARD, LDM budgam, DFO budgam , HPM ,PO KVK and other concerned officers.