Walking through an orchard in Budgam, grower Bashir Ahmad Bhat described the reduction in almond trees on his farm. He said the arrival of California almonds in the Indian market has altered buyer preference due to lower prices and greater availability. Bhat has shifted to apple production but said the crop requires higher spending on spraying and maintenance without providing adequate returns.
Kashmir's almond sector has contracted over the past decade. Official data show that the area under almond orchards fell from 16,374 hectares in 2006–07 to 4,177 hectares in 2019–20. Production declined from 15,183 tons to 9,898 tons during the same period. Growers said California almonds displaced local supply in domestic markets. A farmer from Pulwama said, "Earlier, it was only Kashmiri almonds ruling the Indian market. When Californian almonds arrived, they invaded our markets. Californian almonds were bigger in size with cheaper in price. But ours was better in quality with a good percentage of oil."
Farmers estimate that more than 70 per cent of almond growers have abandoned the crop and shifted to apples or non-agricultural land use. Another grower said market pressure pushed many producers to convert orchards or farmland to commercial properties, including shops and small complexes. He said, "The market trend has discouraged many of us from continuing almond cultivation. It feels like our traditional crop is being pushed out."
The horticulture department said efforts are underway to revive almond cultivation through the introduction of new varieties. An official said, "We have some new varieties which can give a run chase to Californian almonds. Growers have also been motivated to grow almonds. In the coming years, we will again see a growth in the production of almonds."
Producers and local authorities continue to assess the market conditions for almonds and apples as growers weigh crop choices and the long-term viability of traditional orchard systems in the Kashmir region.
Source: The Kashmir Monitor
