JAMMU: Across India, Kishtwar district in the Union Territory (UT) of J&K is known for hydropower generation. A single river, the Chenab, one of the three Western Rivers as defined in the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960, is the reason for this fame. However, the district has now shown tremendous progress in another area, agriculture, more specifically irrigation.
In a significant achievement, Kishtwar district has secured first position among 100 districts of the country for its exemplary performance in improving irrigation infrastructure under the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY). This is very special as harnessing the water in the hilly terrain of the entire district is a serious challenge.
Kishtwar district is a part of the Udhampur-Kathua Lok Sabha segment represented by Minister of State in the PMO Dr Jitendra Singh. It was carved out as a separate district out of Doda in 2008. Till then, Doda was the largest district in both J&K regions, with a geographical spread of over 12,000 square kilometres. There are several fast-flowing streams throughout the district, but it is very, very difficult to use their water for irrigation.
Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma appreciated the efforts of the entire team of District Kishtwar for the achievement in recognition of the district’s outstanding work in strengthening irrigation infrastructure. The Jal Shakti Department has a wing named Irrigation & Flood Control, which is responsible for handling irrigation, as the name suggests.
Additional District Magistrate Pawan Kotwal and Chief Agriculture Officer Kushal Chandel received the Certificate of Excellence from Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan. This was given during a function held at the National Agricultural Science Complex, Pusa, New Delhi on Monday to celebrate the completion of one year of PMDDKY.
Towards promoting sustainable farming practices
The achievement reflects the district’s efforts towards strengthening irrigation facilities, improving water availability for agricultural activities and promoting sustainable farming practices. Improved irrigation infrastructure is a key factor in enhancing agricultural productivity, reducing farmers’ dependence on rainfall and supporting better farm-level water management.
Kishtwar’s recognition among the 100 districts highlights the importance of focused implementation, effective coordination among concerned departments and sustained efforts to improve essential agricultural infrastructure.
The recognition is expected to further encourage the district administration and the Agriculture Department to continue working towards expanding irrigation facilities, promoting efficient utilisation of water resources and improving the livelihoods of the farming community.
India’s agriculture sector faced multiple challenges like low productivity, inadequate irrigation facilities and such others. In some districts, these challenges are very pronounced. These districts, though rich in agricultural potential, lag behind in terms of productivity and economic development. To address the development deficit in the identified districts, the Government of India, in last year’s budget, had announced plans to develop 100 Aspirational Agricultural Districts under “PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PM-DDKY)”.
The scheme was approved in July 2025 for a period of six years, beginning with 2025-26 to cover 100 districts. The scheme draws inspiration from NITI Aayog’s Aspirational District Programme and is the first of its kind, focusing exclusively on agriculture and allied sectors.
The scheme was formally launched on October 11 last year. The performance appraisal of the districts in different areas was done, and a year later, awards were presented to the best-performing districts.
