Srinagar: The rapid conversion of farm land in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir for residential colonies, commercial purposes, railway lines and other non-agricultural uses has severely affected its food security and pushed it towards increasing dependence on Indian rice and other food grains.
According to Kashmir Media Service, official data shows that the Kashmir Valley has lost about 34,000 hectares of cultivable land between 1996 and 2023.
Experts say this is a worrying trend as the shrinking agricultural land has led to a sharp decline in local food production at a time when the population is growing and the demand for agricultural commodities is continuously increasing.
According to Kashmir Media Service, official data shows that the Kashmir Valley has lost about 34,000 hectares of cultivable land between 1996 and 2023.
Experts say this is a worrying trend as the shrinking agricultural land has led to a sharp decline in local food production at a time when the population is growing and the demand for agricultural commodities is continuously increasing.