Jammu and Kashmir's apple production has reached 6.2 million metric tons over the past three years. Government initiatives focus on enhancing storage, ensuring quality farm inputs, and strengthening market linkages. The horticulture sector remains integral to the region's economy, with efforts directed towards infrastructure improvement, quality control, and digital trade integration.
Minister for Agriculture Production responded to Dr Bashir Ahmad Veeri, highlighting annual apple outputs: 2.04 million metric tons in 2022-23, 2.064 million in 2023-24, and 2.056 million in 2024-25.
Addressing substandard fertilizer and pesticide concerns, the Department of Agriculture has implemented a monitoring system for quality input distribution. "All companies must register their products under relevant regulations," stated the minister, citing the Insecticides Act of 1968, Fertilizer Control Order of 1985, and Seed Act of 1966.
The horticulture sector supports 3.5 million people, involving around 700,000 families. Production data show 2.341 million metric tons in 2021-22 with 1.207 million exported, increasing in subsequent years, with 2024-25 recording 2.646 million produced and 1.313 million exported.
The need for Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage is estimated at 600,000 metric tons, representing 30% of annual production. Current capacity stands at 270,000 metric tons, with an additional 37,000 metric tons added this year. Facilities are mainly in Lassipora, Pulwama, and Aglar, Shopian, with plans for more sector-specific estates.
Government initiatives include the High-Density Plantation Scheme, covering 836 hectares by January 2025. The e-NAM initiative supports agricultural marketing with 24 operational mandis and 17 integrated with the e-NAM portal.
Various schemes, such as HADP, RAD, PMFME, Farm Mechanization, and MIDH, promote horticulture. The minister emphasized CA storage's role in extending fruit crop shelf life and preventing distress sales.
Source: Kashmir Observer
