Hazelnuts take root in Kokernag

Anantnag, May 17: Farmers in the high-altitude villages of Kokernag in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district are increasingly turning to hazelnut cultivation, with nearly 200 kanals of land now under production.

Known locally as virin, hazelnuts are a rare dry fruit that has seen rising global demand due to their medicinal value.

Rich in oil, protein, fibre and antioxidants, hazelnuts are known to help manage obesity, high cholesterol, heart disease and dementia.

“I sowed 110 hazelnut plants on four kanals of land this March, and I expect better returns,” said Shahbaz Ahmad Seeri, a farmer from Guridraman village in Larnoo.

In addition to hazelnuts, Seeri cultivates maize on 15 kanals and also grows apples and walnuts.

He credited the Department of Horticulture for encouraging farmers to grow the crop using scientific methods and educating them about its international market potential and adaptability to climate change.

Hazelnuts thrive in rain-fed areas and temperatures between 18 and 35 degrees Celsius, making them more adaptable than almonds, which require cooler climates and are widely grown in Kashmir.

Haji Muhammad Katri, 70, from Gadvail village, began cultivating hazelnuts on three kanals of land in December after maize production and returns declined in recent years.

“I wasn’t getting enough returns from maize, so I decided to switch to hazelnuts,” said Katri, who still grows maize on 12 kanals.

“I hope this will change our fortunes,” he added.

Hazelnuts are sown between December and April and are harvested in September. The crop begins bearing fruit after four years.

Like Seeri and Katri, several farmers from villages including Matihandoo, Dravey, Guridraman, Gadvail and Dandipora in Larnoo have turned to hazelnut farming.

Nearly 40 farmers have benefited from the Horticulture Department’s area expansion program, hoping for better yields and income.

In Indian markets like Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi, hazelnuts now sell for Rs 800 to Rs 1,200 per kilogram, up from around Rs 200 just five years ago.

Though not native to Kashmir, hazelnuts were introduced in 1989 under the Indo-Italian Project and were first cultivated at the Lehanwan-Gawran Farm in Larnoo, located at the foothills of Margan Top along the Kokernag-Warwan-Marwa road.

The government farm spans 210 kanals and currently cultivates about 3,500 hazelnut plants, yielding around 30 quintals annually.

“Earlier, we auctioned the crop locally, and it didn’t fetch good returns. But now, Aarafh Food and Spices in Anantnag is selling it across India, which has helped us earn better,” said Peer Farhat Jan, horticulture development officer for Kokernag-Larnoo.

Farhat said hazelnut cultivation was once limited to the government farm but is now being promoted among progressive farmers. T

The farm at Lehanwan serves as a frontline demonstration plot to educate farmers about scientific cultivation methods.

“Awareness programs are regularly held to show how hazelnuts can be a viable alternative to walnuts and almonds, especially under extreme climatic conditions,” Farhat said.

The farm, which had been neglected for years, has seen renewed focus in the past four years. Officials believe the yield could double with proper care.

In collaboration with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), the Horticulture Department is taking over the farm to develop it into a modern Center of Excellence for Nut Crops. A budget of Rs 120 million has been sanctioned for the project.

Plans are also in place to graft local hazelnut varieties with high-yielding ones grown on the demonstration plot.

The department is setting up demo plantations across the district and encouraging farmers to visit and learn firsthand.

Marketing facilities are also being explored to help farmers sell this rare dry fruit.

“Soon, we will also be importing nut varieties — including hazelnuts — from countries like the U.S. (California) and Turkey,” Farhat added.