Horticulture is a critical sector in Kashmir, involving around 700,000 families either directly or indirectly. It accounts for more than eight percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Jammu and Kashmir. The region has over 338,000 hectares dedicated to fruit cultivation, with apples covering 162,000 hectares. The 2020-2021 period saw a production of 2.04 million tons, generating revenue between Rs 70-80 billion. Jammu and Kashmir have been recognized as an Agri Export Zone for apple and walnut, with local farmers incorporating modern technology and benefiting from various schemes for enhanced outcomes.
Mohammad Farooq, a farmer from Ganderbal, has seen his income double over the last decade thanks to the adoption of new technologies and government support. "Over 12 years ago, I used to earn Rs 400,000. Now I earn Rs 800,000 annually and am now far more economically stable, with good savings. I have developed my orchard properly. We use pesticides and do pruning on time. We do proper grading and place them according to different boxes which fetch us good money. The KCC has helped farmers like me to do all these things and get better returns," he explained. However, Farooq and others are concerned about the quality of fertilizers and pesticides in the market, urging the government to address this issue and provide these essentials at subsidized rates.
[ Rs 100 = €1.10 ]
Source: morningkashmir.com