Srinagar, Nov 27, KDC: At the recent OECD Rural Development Conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which brought together policymakers, experts, and civil-society representatives from across the world to discuss sustainable rural development and rural–urban linkages, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Secretary (Science & Technology) from Jammu & Kashmir, presented India’s experience and ambitions.
Dr. Choudhary, according to news agency Kashmir Dot Com (KDC), described how India is reinforcing rural-urban connections through a combination of clean energy, modern agriculture and grassroots community institutions. Central to his presentation was the countrywide push under PM-KUSUM — aimed at solar-powered agriculture which, he said, is helping reduce diesel dependence, stabilise irrigation, enable cold-storage and food-processing facilities, and reduce post-harvest losses.
Speaking about the significance of institutions such as cooperatives, farmers’ producer organisations (FPOs), self-help groups, dairy networks, and traditional pastoral/transhumant communities, especially in mountainous and highland areas, Dr Choudhary underscored how they provide dependable pathways from the farm gate to urban markets. He argued that their role in food security, climate resilience and ecological balance deserves broader recognition and support.
He further emphasised that rural and urban regions are intrinsically interdependent. Cities rely on rural areas not only for food but also for labour, water, and ecosystem services, while rural economies depend on urban markets, technology and investments. According to him, India’s recent policy efforts ranging from farm credit and mechanisation to logistics and storage infrastructure show how deliberate planning can transform this interdependence into sustainable resilience.
Dr Choudhary expressed honour at bringing the experience of India and aspirations of regions such as Jammu & Kashmir to a global platform shaping the future of sustainable development. (KDC)
