Kupwara records 37,010 metric tons walnut production this year

Kupwara, Nov 19: The frontier Kupwara district has recorded 37,010.299 metric tons of walnut production this year, making it the highest across all districts of Kashmir.

Kupwara blessed with the perfect topography for walnut production has attained the title of walnut district of Jammu and Kashmir.
According to official details, walnut production is being carried out on 8829.100 hectares of land in the entire district while the whole district is divided into 15 zones.

Handwara zone has witnessed a total production of 1519.500 metric tons over 379.725 hectares of land.
Rajwar zone has 2112.200 over 528.050 hectares of land, Vilgam has 1954.300 over 488.575 hectares, Ashpora has 1140 over 285 hectares, Kralgund zone has produced a total of 1208 metric tons over 302 hectares of land.

The details reveal that Langate zone has produced 536.200 metric tons of walnuts over 134.050 hectares this year.
Similarly, Mawer has 1520, Drugmulla 2664.431, Kupwara 5099.855, Sogam 4506.013, Dooniwari 3631.950, Trehgam 2956.275, Kralpora 3552.075, Tangdhar 2632, Teethwal 1977.500 metric tons over 380, 626.925, 1133.150, 1001.225, 807.100, 656.950, 789.350, 752, 565 hectares.

Horticulture is the backbone of rural areas of Kashmir and in Kupwara itself more than four lakh people are associated with horticulture industry and earn their livelihood from the sector.
Even growers seem to be happy with the production and returns this year.

Abdul Rashid of Niechihama, Rajwar told Greater Kashmir that compared to previous years, he had plentiful production this year.
“Not only ample production but we got good returns as well. During recent years our dreams were shattered because we didn’t get good returns of our produce but this year has compensated to all that,” Rashid said.

Chief Horticulture Officer (CHO), Kuwpara, Muneer Ahmad told Greater Kashmir that Kupwara has the perfect topography to grow walnut trees as compared to other districts of Kashmir.

He said that people should replace the conventional walnut trees with new ones to have more monetary gains.
“We have set up high density walnut nurseries at Khudi Mawer and Chandigam Lolab. The nursery at Khudi Mawer happens to be a local, if all goes he will be able to sell walnut plants in March next year. Plants at Chandigam nursery may take a year to be able to sell,” Ahmad said.
The CHO said that even unemployed educated youth could set up high-density walnut nurseries, which could pave the way for them to earn their livelihood.
“Those interested can contact us, we will provide them all possible support,” he said.