Srinagar: HDFC Bank, through its CSR programme Parivartan, is working to strengthen agricultural livelihoods in Kashmir through improved farming practices, processing infrastructure and expanded market access. The Bank is implementing these initiatives with ISAP India Foundation and Citizens Foundation, its active implementation partners in Kashmir.
The Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) supported under the initiative collectively generate revenues of up to ₹5.2 crore, with one FPO generating revenue of ₹1.4 crore. The programme has also established SAMARKASH, a brand under which participating FPOs collectively market processed agricultural products, supported by branding, packaging and market linkages. Agriculture remains central to Kashmir’s economy and cultural identity, with crops such as saffron, apples, walnuts and Kashmiri red chilli supporting local livelihoods. However, challenges related to productivity, climate variability, post-harvest losses and limited access to organised markets can affect farmers’ ability to realise greater value from their produce. Parivartan’s interventions address these gaps across the value chain, from cultivation to processing and marketing.
Javed Ahmad — Patalbagh, Pampore (Saffron Farmer)
Support includes improved irrigation systems like solar water pumps, drip irrigation; mulching, particularly for saffron cultivation, and polyhouse farming. Processing facilities have also been supported for apples, walnuts, saffron, Kashmiri red chilli, milk and traditional bakery products. Equipped with solar dryers, cold storage and other relevant machinery, these facilities enable better post-harvest handling, preservation and processing of local produce.
Junaid Ahmad Ganie (Chilli Farmer - URI)
Speaking about the initiative, Nusrat Pathan, Head – CSR, HDFC Bank, said, “Kashmir is known for its distinctive agricultural produce, and there is an opportunity to strengthen the value farmers derive from it. Through Parivartan, we are working with our partners to improve farming practices, support food processing infrastructure and strengthen market linkages. Initiatives such as SAMARKASH help farmer collectives take their produce closer to the market through branding and value addition. We remain committed to supporting locally relevant solutions that strengthen rural enterprises and create sustainable livelihood opportunities across the region.”
Tahira Bano — Sogam, Kupwara (Walnut Farmer)
Key Interventions Across Kashmir:
Saffron cultivation in Pampore: Parivartan is supporting saffron farmers through improved agricultural practices providing a solar water pump and solar dryer, alongside FPO development and market linkages. These interventions aim to strengthen cultivation practices and improve opportunities for farmers associated with one of Kashmir's most distinctive crops.
Apple and walnut processing: Processing infrastructure supported under the programme includes solar dryers, and other machinery to improve post-harvest management such as grading and sorting. By enabling processing, preservation and value addition, these facilities help FPOs develop market-ready products and access opportunities beyond the sale of raw produce.
Kashmiri red chilli in Uri: Farmers in Uri are being supported through polyhouse farming, drip irrigation and solar drying facilities, helping improve cultivation and post-harvest handling of Kashmiri red chilli. These interventions are particularly relevant for supporting agricultural livelihoods in border communities.
Building market access through SAMARKASH: Alongside infrastructure and farming support, the programme is helping FPOs strengthen branding, packaging and marketing capabilities through SAMARKASH. The initiative seeks to improve the market readiness of locally processed products and support the development of farmer-led enterprises.
Mr. Bashir Ahmad Ganie, FPC President, Kirmaniya Fruit Fed FPC, said, “Earlier, we sold our produce raw, soon after the harvest, and took whatever price we were offered. With the processing unit, the drying facilities and the SAMARKASH brand, our members now have a way to process, pack and sell on their own terms. Our young people are beginning to see a future in farming here again.”
Beyond agriculture, Parivartan also supports alternative livelihood opportunities, including women’s skilling initiatives. In FY 2025–26, HDFC Bank extended its CSR coverage to 498 border villages across India, in line with national priorities under the Border Area Development Programme and the Vibrant Villages Programme.
HDFC Bank Parivartan, HDFC Bank’s CSR programme, has impacted over 10.77 crore lives to date, across all 28 States and 8 Union Territories. The Bank spent ₹1,316.18 crore on CSR initiatives in FY 2025–26, taking its cumulative CSR investment under Parivartan to approximately ₹7,492 crore since inception. Its work spans six focus areas: rural development, promotion of education, skill training and livelihood enhancement, healthcare and hygiene, financial literacy and inclusion, and natural resource management. The Bank’s flagship Holistic Rural Development Programme (HRDP) covers more than 11,000 villages.
Within this broader rural development agenda, Parivartan aims to improve the annual incomes of 5 lakh low-income farmers through sustainable practices, collectivisation and market linkages. Its Crop Residue Management initiative with CII Foundation has helped save over 3.26 lakh acres of farmland from stubble burning across Punjab and Haryana, reaching 86,000 farmers across more than 380 villages, with farm machinery made available through over 140 farmer cooperatives and FPOs.
Through continued collaboration with implementation partners and local communities, HDFC Bank Parivartan remains committed to strengthening farmer collectives, improving market access and supporting sustainable agricultural livelihoods in Jammu & Kashmir.