Sheikh Saleem
JAMMU, AUGUST 7: The Jammu and Kashmir government is set to embark on an ambitious initiative to solarise over 35,000 large farm irrigation systems within the next three years, in a bid to promote energy-efficient, sustainable agriculture across the Union Territory.
Talking to Kashmir Convener Secretary to the JK Government, Department of Science and Technology Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, explained the regional disparities in irrigation pump usage across the Union Territory.
While statistics show that over 92 percent of irrigation pumps powered by conventional electricity are concentrated in the Jammu Division, a deeper analysis reveals the influence of agro-ecological diversity and cropping patterns on irrigation energy demands.
Kashmir, with a higher net sown area—approximately 4 lakh hectares compared to Jammu’s 2.8 lakh hectares—primarily cultivates paddy and horticultural crops.
“These are mostly supported by canal irrigation, thus requiring fewer electric or diesel-powered pump sets,” Choudhary said while sharing details.
In contrast, Jammu’s flatter terrain and crop profile, which includes wheat, maize, and fodder, generate a higher demand for pump-based irrigation, especially in districts like Kathua, Samba, and Jammu plains.
Choudhary further highlights that in mountainous districts such as Kupwara, Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, and Rajouri, while cropped areas are substantial, the density of pump sets remains low. This is attributed to a combination of rugged terrain, smaller landholdings, and greater reliance on rainwater or gravity-fed irrigation systems.
“These variations clearly underscore the need for regionally tailored irrigation strategies,” the Secretary Science and Technology Department stated, suggesting a mix of interventions such as solar-powered micro pumps for hilly terrain, water-use efficiency practices for plains, restoration of canal systems, and the development of community water tanks in rain-fed zones.
Choudhary further stated that the S&T Deptt is also advocating for regular energy audits to enhance groundwater use efficiency and emphasising the importance of integrating groundwater recharge mechanisms into broader agricultural and energy planning frameworks.
“J&K’s irrigation energy future must be shaped not just by numbers — but by land, livelihood, and landscape,” the Secretary remarked, underlining the need for a holistic approach to irrigation planning that takes into account the unique geographic and agronomic conditions of each region.
Comments are closed.