Fields of Change Horticulture blossoms amid shrinking farmlands in J&K
Srinagar, Jun 2: Even as Jammu and Kashmir grapples with the steady decline of traditional agricultural land, particularly for paddy and other staple crops, a silent transformation is underway in the regions horticulture sector.
The land under fruit cultivation has not only been preserved but has actually increased over the past three years, underscoring a shift in land-use priorities and economic strategies in J&K.
Official figures accessed by Greater Kashmir reveal that the area under major horticultural crops expanded from 3.42 lakh hectares in 2021ñ22 to 3.44 lakh hectares in 2024-25 ñ addition of 2000 hectares, or a 0.58 percent increase. More significantly, total horticultural production recorded a substantial jump of 2.04 lakh metric tonnes (LMT), marking an 8.39 percent rise over the same period.
This growth stands in stark contrast to the declining trend in agricultural land.
Residential colonies and concrete infrastructure are rapidly replacing farmlands, particularly paddy fields, in several districts.
Senior officials from the Agriculture Department have confirmed that the land under cultivation for paddy and other crops is shrinking day by day.
The problem is that traditional agriculture, especially paddy farming, is proving to be less lucrative, a senior Agriculture Department official said, requesting anonymity. ìIn many cases, paddy fields are being converted into orchards or being sold for non-farm purposes. Farmers see better returns from horticulture and are shifting accordingly.
The changing land-use pattern appears to be a response not only to economic realities but also to government-supported interventions.
Horticulture has emerged as a vital pillar of Jammu and Kashmirís rural economy, contributing between 6 to 7 percent to the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).
The sector directly or indirectly employs around 35 lakh people and supports approximately 7 lakh families.
Fruit exports continue to be a major economic driver.
In 2023-24, J&K exported 13.59 lakh metric tonnes of fresh fruit and 0.08 lakh metric tonnes of dry fruit.
By November 2024, fresh fruit exports had reached 10.59 lakh metric tonnes, and dry fruit exports were at 0.03 lakh metric tonnes. Bashir Ahmad Basheer, President of the All Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Union, affirmed the trend.
ìThe land under horticulture is growing. This is due to good market returns, the introduction of high-density plantations, and better support infrastructure,î he said. ìFarmers now find horticulture more sustainable than growing cereals or rice, especially in the Valleyís evolving climate and market conditions.î
The introduction of high-density apple orchards, improved irrigation systems, cold storage chains, and modern grading and packaging centres has further incentivised farmers to shift towards horticulture.
Government subsidies and schemes under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) have also played a crucial role.
However, this transition is not without its challenges.
Experts caution that the unchecked conversion of agricultural land into non-agricultural use may pose risks to food security and ecological balance in the long term.
ìWhile horticulture has brought prosperity to many rural families, there needs to be a balanced approach. Preserving core agricultural areas while promoting sustainable horticulture is the way forward,î they said.
The broader picture suggests that Jammu and Kashmir is undergoing a structural shift in its rural economy.
As horticulture continues to flourish, policymakers face the challenge of managing this growth without sacrificing the regionís agricultural heritage and long-term food needs.
