Udhampur (Jammu and Kashmir) [India]: The PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (MOFPI-PMFME) scheme, launched by the Ministry of Food Processing Industry, has significantly improved sugarcane processing capabilities for farmers in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir.
Kewal Kumar, a farmer from Dhanoo village, has modernized his sugarcane production by replacing the traditional ox-powered juice extraction method with a tractor, enhancing efficiency and reducing labor costs.
“Earlier, I used to grow wheat or rice. However, under PM Narendra Modi’s government, farmers have started getting beneficial subsidies, which enabled me to start sugarcane farming. My work got easier once we started getting subsidies on tractors. I started growing sugarcane and making gud (jaggery). Last year, I sold 15-20 quintals of gud in the market,” Kumar said.
His shift to producing organic, chemical-free jaggery has significantly increased demand for his products.
“I prepared pure organic gud, free of chemicals, which has increased our product’s demand. I have attached more farmers to this venture. We have become ‘Aatmnirbhar,'” he added.
With increased production efficiency, Kumar has expanded his business and now supports other farmers in the region.
“Earlier, we were in a bad condition. But now we enjoy working in the fields because we make a profit. Earlier, we used to stay drowned in debt. Now, whenever we face any financial problem, we take out a loan from Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and pay it back after six months,” Kumar explained.
Tikri District Development Council (DDC) member Ashu Sharma praised the government’s efforts in transforming the agricultural landscape in Udhampur.
“We thank the Indian government for helping our farmers double their income. They have helped our farmers revolutionize their farming through technology,” Sharma stated.
Farmers in the region have also adopted modern techniques such as polyhouses and have started cultivating high-value crops like dragon fruits. This shift towards organic farming has helped improve income and create new market opportunities.
“It is joyful to see our farmers using polyhouses or growing dragon fruits… The farmers are making gud organically, completely free of chemicals,” Sharma added.
Encouraging more farmers to participate in such initiatives, Sharma advised, “I want to tell our farmers to utilize the schemes of PM Narendra Modi to benefit their farming. Kewal works really hard and earns well.”