Srinagar, June 3 -- Jammu and Kashmir has recorded a modest increase in its Total Fertility Rate (TFR), with the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6, 2023-24) showing the figure rising from 1.4 children per woman in NFHS-5 (2019-21) to 1.8 children per woman.

Despite the increase, health experts say the fertility rate remains significantly below the replacement level of 2.1 and reflects continuing demographic and reproductive health challenges in the region.

According to the survey, the fertility rate stands at 1.5 children per woman in urban areas and 1.9 in rural areas, indicating that fertility levels remain higher in villages compared to towns and cities.

Medical experts believe the increase may be due to improved healthca...