J&K's net sown Area much lower than national average: NABARD

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Net sown area in Jammu and Kashmir at 37.62 per cent, or 9.09 lakh hectare, of total reported area is lower than the national average of 46 per cent, says a report by NABARD for 2015-16 fiscal.
"The NSA (net sown area) is 9.09 lakh hectares which is 37.62 per cent of the reported area (26.16 lakh hectares) as against the national average of 46 per cent," NABARD Chief General Manager, J&K, Shanker A Pande said.
He further said that only 42 per cent area is under irrigation and around 90 per cent of the available ground water is not utilised.

These revelations were made by the NABARD in its report 'State Focus Paper' for the year 2015-16.
He further said that a little over 13 per cent of the total reported area is under fruit crops.
The production level of all crops is lower than the national averages, he added.

The main kharif crops of the state are rice, maize, pulses, vegetables and fodder covering 78 per cent of the NSA.
The livelihood of around 70 per cent population of the Jammu and Kashmir directly or indirectly revolves around agriculture and allied sectors, he said, adding at present agriculture and allied sectors is contributing 14 per cent of the GDP at national level and 19.96 per cent at current prices to the GSDP as per constant prices.

The state comprises of three regions namely Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh having distinct geographical outlook and agro climate zones.
As per the eighth agriculture census of the state, the total number of operational land holding was 13,77,808 hectares and average size of operational land holdings is 0.67 hectares.