Kashmir loses 34,000 hectares of farmland from 1996-2023: Report

A government report shows Kashmir has lost nearly 34,000 hectares of farmland between 1996 and 2023, largely due to construction and commercial projects. The net sown area has reduced from 1,63,000 to 1,29,000 hectares. Officials warn the decline may raise dependence on imported food grains as more farmers shift to orchards and non farm work.