Jammu & Kashmir has received a major development boost from the Central Government as Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan, approved road projects worth ₹3566 crore under the Prime Minister Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)-IV (Batch-II). This major announcement was made during an important event held at SKICC in Srinagar on 28 April 2026.

During the event, Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan personally handed over the approval letter to Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah on the stage. This move is being seen as a strong step toward improving rural infrastructure, boosting agriculture, empowering women, and strengthening the economy of the region.

Along with road development approval, the Union Minister also released a mother sanction of more than ₹4568.23 crore under DAY-NRLM (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission) for women Self-Help Groups across 24 states and Union Territories.

The program was attended by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Rural Development Minister Javed Ahmad Dar, Leader of Opposition Sunil Kumar Sharma, Members of Parliament, MLAs, senior officials, farmers, rural women, and a large number of local citizens.

In his speech, Shivraj Singh Chauhan said that he had come to Jammu & Kashmir not with pride of position, but with the feeling of service. He stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Central Government is not only building roads but also connecting hearts.

He said, “For the development of Kashmir, the doors of hearts are open, and the doors of Delhi are also open.” This statement highlighted the government’s commitment to the region’s progress and unity.

The minister explained that Jammu & Kashmir received priority in both the first and second phases of PMGSY-IV, which clearly shows the Centre’s dedication to the region. He said that road development is not just about transportation—it is about connecting villages to schools, hospitals, markets, and employment opportunities.

According to him, approvals worth nearly ₹8,000 crore for roads in a single year is a historic achievement for Jammu & Kashmir. He assured that as the currently approved roads progress, more routes and projects will also be considered by the government.

Special focus was also placed on women empowerment. Shivraj Singh Chauhan said that the government’s goal is not only to create “Lakhpati Didis” but to turn women into strong entrepreneurs and leaders. Under DAY-NRLM, women Self-Help Groups will receive financial support to improve livelihoods and become financially independent.

During the event, both Shivraj Singh Chauhan and Omar Abdullah also honored several “Lakhpati Didis” who have successfully improved their income through Self-Help Groups.

On agriculture and farmers’ welfare, the minister discussed the special challenges of Jammu & Kashmir, including small land holdings, difficult geography, and climate-related risks. He said the Centre will work strongly on horticulture development, clean plant varieties, high-quality nurseries, and scientific crop diversification.

He also announced that a team of scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) will visit Jammu & Kashmir. This expert team will study the region’s climate, soil, water resources, and farming possibilities to create a long-term agricultural development roadmap.

Shivraj Singh Chauhan strongly promoted integrated farming as a solution for increasing farmers’ income. He explained that farmers should not depend only on grains, fruits, or vegetables. Activities like dairy farming, fisheries, goat farming, sheep farming, and beekeeping should also be included to create multiple income sources.

He said this model can make agriculture more profitable, sustainable, and employment-friendly for small farmers in the region.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah warmly welcomed Shivraj Singh Chauhan and called him a true friend of Jammu & Kashmir. He thanked the Union Minister for his continuous support and said that the people of the region trust him deeply.

Omar Abdullah said that receiving ₹8,000 crore approval in a single phase is not a small matter. He assured that the state government will work quickly to implement these projects on the ground and bring real change to rural life.

He also highlighted that due to Jammu & Kashmir’s difficult geography and scattered population, road connectivity is life-changing. PMGSY has already helped remote villages access schools, hospitals, and markets, and PMGSY-IV will now connect the remaining untouched areas.

The Chief Minister promised full cooperation with the Centre for project execution, shared funding, and smooth implementation so that rural development reaches every village.

This major approval is expected to transform Jammu & Kashmir’s future by improving roads, strengthening women’s livelihoods, increasing farmers’ income, and creating better opportunities for rural families. It is a strong step toward the vision of a developed Jammu & Kashmir for a developed India.