Jammu and Kashmir agricultural debt rises nearly 86 per cent

Agricultural debt among farmers in Jammu and Kashmir has seen a significant increase over a three-year period. According to data presented to the Legislative Assembly by the Agriculture Production Department, the number of indebted farmers rose from 6.69 lakh in 2023-24 to 8.54 lakh in 2025-26.

Total outstanding agricultural debt grew by nearly 86 per cent, reaching Rs 14,407.48 crore. The average debt per indebted farmer also climbed approximately 46 per cent, rising from Rs 1.15 lakh in 2023-24 to Rs 1.69 lakh in 2025-26.

District-level data shows varying levels of financial distress. Jammu recorded the highest total outstanding debt at Rs 1,662.63 crore, with an average of Rs 2,35,176 per farmer. Baramulla followed with Rs 1,494.76 crore, while Anantnag reported the highest number of indebted farmers among the listed districts, totaling 74,679.