We all know that fertility rate is very important parameter to ensure the continuation of coming generations is showing a decline in Jammu and Kashmir, causing much worry in sane quarters .
Pertinently, the total fertility rate (TFR) of a population is the average number of children that would be born to a woman over her lifetime if:
She was to experience the exact current age-specific fertility rates (ASFRs) through her lifetime.
she was to live from birth until the end of her reproductive life.
Few years back Central government survey has shown that Jammu and Kashmir has a lower fertility rate than any state barring tiny Goa and Sikkim, a finding that has stoked much online and offline debate outhere.
The National Family Health Survey (2019-21) reveals a sharp fall in the total fertility rate (TFR) --- the average number of children a woman bears in her lifetime --- in Jammu and Kashmir from few years back 2.0 to current 1.4, far below the national average of 2.
It is worth noting here that TFR, as per the survey, has witnessed a decline more in urban areas of Jammu and Kashmir. It has reduced from 1.6 in 2015-16 to 1.2 in 2019-20. In rural Jammu and Kashmir, the TFR has declined to 1.5 in 2019-20 from 2.2 in 2015-16.
Current studies also point out to poor fertility rate in Jammu and Kashmir.
Many believe that increasing entry of women into the workforce has also delayed marriages which is a top predictor for the number of babies a woman
In comparison, Uttar Pradesh has a TFR of 2.4, Bihar 3, Madhya Pradesh 2.0, Jharkhand 2.3, Punjab 1.6, Odisha 1.8, and Kerala 1.8. Only two states – Sikkim (1.1) and Goa (1.3) – and the Union Territories of Ladakh (1.3) and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (1.3) have TFRs below Jammu and Kashmir’s.
Also,the rising mental stress and changing food habits the infertility rates are increasing in Kashmir valley .Some expert voices in recent times have gone to extent of saying that infertility is found among 45 percent males and 35 percent females in Kashmir. Many couples now in Kashmir are going for IVF mode to have babies .
It is earnest hope that we don't let drop our Fertility Rates beyond an alarming level . We need to provide all the important mental health awareness to our young people ias stress is the real reason behind poor health and infertility.
