Jammu and Kashmir's vast natural resources have been pivotal in establishing a diverse horticultural landscape, encompassing a wide array of crops such as apples, apricots, cherries, and more exotic fruits alongside aromatic plants, spices, and floriculture. This region benefits from a unique blend of climatic zones - sub-tropical to arid - fostering the cultivation of a rich variety of produce. Horticulture, with a special nod to floriculture, is a cornerstone of economic development in this union territory.
Presently, horticulture spans over 332,704 hectares, with a significant portion dedicated to apple orchards. The region's fertile soil and diverse climate contribute to the cultivation of temperate fruits like pear, cherry, and walnut, as well as subtropical favorites including mango, citrus, and guava, underscoring the agricultural diversity of Jammu and Kashmir.
Jammu and Kashmir apple sector hopes to achieve 25% high density orchards
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) J&K Council recently hosted the inaugural CII J&K Apple Conclave in Srinagar, targeting the upliftment of Kashmir's apple farmers through sustainable cultivation techniques. The conclave emphasized 'Sustainable Innovations for Apple Growers of Kashmir,' gathering experts, agriculturists, and industry insiders to discuss sustainable and productive apple farming advancements in the region.
Attendees included SKUAST-K's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nazir Ah Ganai, and representatives from the horticulture sector and corporate entities, who explored tech-driven sustainable practices for boosting apple cultivation productivity. Prof Ganai highlighted the conclave's role in providing practical insights to farmers, aiming for 25% of orchards to adopt High-density practices. The importance of technological innovation in enhancing the apple sector was underscored by Syed Junaid Altaf, emphasizing CII J&K's commitment to stakeholder collaboration in agriculture.
Source: kashmirvision.in