Kashmir’s rapidly shrinking paddy land is emerging as a silent but serious crisis, one that threatens the Valley’s long-term food security and economic stability. For generations, paddy fields formed the backbone of Kashmir’s agrarian economy, ensuring household food needs and providing a buffer against supply disruptions. Today, those fertile stretches are steadily disappearing, replaced by high-density apple orchards, residential colonies, and commercial structures. The shift is understandable but dangerous. Paddy cultivation has become less attractive due to rising labour costs, water management challenges, and comparatively low returns. High-density apple orchards, on the other hand, promise quicker profits and are aggressively promoted as a modern farming solution. While horticulture has undeniably boosted incomes for many farmers, the unregulated conversion of paddy land is creating a structural imbalance in Kashmir’s agriculture. Official data paints a worrying picture. Over the past few decades, tens of thousands of hectares of agricultural land have been lost to urbanisation, infrastructure projects, and orchard expansion. As a result, local food grain production now meets only a fraction of the Valley’s annual requirement. The widening gap is filled by rice imports from other states, making Kashmir increasingly dependent on external supply chains. This dependence is risky. Any disruption—whether due to highway closures, weather events, or market volatility—immediately impacts prices and availability. Recent years have shown how fragile supply lines can be, especially in a region prone to harsh winters and frequent transport interruptions. Food security is not merely about what markets display on a given day; it is about resilience and the ability to withstand shocks. Policy decisions have also contributed to the problem. Relaxation of land conversion rules, though intended to facilitate development, has accelerated the loss of prime agricultural land. Weak enforcement and population pressure have further compounded the issue. Once paddy land is converted, it is rarely restored, making the loss effectively permanent. The challenge, however, is not to oppose horticulture or development, but to strike a sustainable balance. Apples can boost income, but rice ensures survival. Both are essential. The government must urgently identify and protect remaining paddy belts through stricter zoning laws, incentives for food grain cultivation, and support mechanisms that make paddy farming economically viable again. Introducing high-yield varieties, mechanisation, assured procurement, and better irrigation support could help reverse the decline. Equally important is awareness. Farmers and landowners need to recognise that selling or converting paddy land may bring short-term gains but carries long-term consequences for future generations. Food security is a collective responsibility, not just an individual choice. Kashmir stands at a crossroads. If current trends continue unchecked, the Valley risks trading its agricultural self-reliance for uncertain prosperity. Protecting paddy land today is not about resisting change—it is about safeguarding stability, dignity, and survival for tomorrow.