Fruitful Growth: J&K's Horticulture Sector Blossoms in Silence

Srinagar, July 26: In a remarkable yet understated success story, Jammu and Kashmir's horticulture sector has been quietly flourishing, emerging as a beacon of economic growth for the Union Territory.

J&K Govt's data reveals a substantial increase in fruit production, painting a picture of resilience and progress in this vital industry.

From 2018-19 to 2023-24, J&K's fruit production surged from 20.06 lakh metric tonnes to an impressive 26.43 lakh metric tonnes, marking a significant 10% growth. This increase encompasses both fresh and dry fruit production, underscoring the sector's robust performance.

Fresh fruit and dry fruit production has increased from 20.06 lakh MTs in 2018-19 to 26.43 lakh MTs in 2023-24, recording an increase of about 10% during these years. Agriculture and allied sectors need to be viewed as sustainable sources of livelihood. For this, path-breaking initiatives have been taken to further the interests of farmers, leading to improvement in their incomes.

The horticulture sector has been our silent achiever. This growth isn't just about numbers; it's about the improved livelihoods of thousands of farmers across the region.

High-density plantations have been a game-changer for the sector. "We've added 17,390 hectares under medium-density and 663 hectares under high-density fruit plantation. This approach has significantly boosted the income potential for our apple growers, explains a horticulture department official.

Infrastructure development has kept pace with production growth. The Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage capacity has more than doubled, increasing from 1.14 LMT in 2018 to 2.70 LMT in 2024. Twelve new CA stores with a capacity of 60,000 MTs were completed in 2023-24, with plans for seven more in the coming year.

"Enhanced storage capacity means our farmers can better manage supply and demand, leading to improved price stability,"he said.

Financial inclusion has been another priority. The distribution of 10.90 lakh Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) has provided crucial financial support to farmers. Furthermore, the integration of 17 mandis with the electronic National Agricultural Market (e-NAM) has opened new avenues for 51,748 farmers and traders, including 98 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).

The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana has made a significant impact, with over `3,000 crore deposited directly into the bank accounts of 12.68 lakh eligible farmers. "This direct benefit transfer has been a lifeline for many small and marginal farmers," says Rafiq Mir, a beneficiary of the scheme.

Looking ahead, the sector faces both opportunities and challenges. Climate change and water scarcity remain concerns, but technological advancements and sustainable practices offer hope.