Jammu, Mar 10: With average production of cereal crops per hectare in J&K remaining far below the national average, state every year imports a large quantity of foodgrains to meet domestic needs.
 While there is an overall 40 per cent foodgrain deficit per hectare in the state, Jammu division fairs poorly as compared to Kashmir division.
 As per official records, rice production in Jammu region is 16 quintals per hectare against national average of 21.77. Similarly, the wheat production in the region is 15.44 quintals per hec against the national average of 28.30, and maize 18.77 quintals/hec against 19.59 at national level. 
 In Kashmir division, wheat production is 21.80 quintal per hectare and maize 18.00 quintal per hectare.
 The rice production in the valley of Kashmir is 35 quintal per hectare which is much higher than the national average of 21.77 quintals per hectare given the better irrigation facilities and the Karewa soil.
 As per official records state has the deficiency of about 40 percent in comparison to requirement forcing state to import food grains to meet its needs.
 To improve the yield of cereal crops in the state particularly in Jammu region, the government, according to officials, is contemplating steps to boast the production.
 Several central sponsored schemes such as Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, Macro Management have been initiated in the state, they said.
 Besides distribution of good quality high yielding variety of seeds, hybrid seed to the farmers and imparting training to them is started to improve the productivity.
 Officials said that lack of irrigation facilities in Jammu region and heavy dependency on rain is main impediment in achieving optimum achievable productivity.   
 Pertinently, 80 per cent population in the state is dependant on agriculture which contributes 19 per cent to GSDP.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 10 Mar 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 10 Mar 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 11 Mar 2012 00:00:00 IST