J&K Striding in Horticulture
Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has solidified its position as a key player in India’s horticulture sector, exporting an impressive 508.29 thousand metric tonnes (MTs) of fruits over the past two years. This remarkable achievement has generated revenue of ₹2,806.22 crore, underscoring the region’s potential as a horticultural powerhouse. The data, provided by the Agriculture Production Department (Horticulture), highlights the significant contributions of various districts and mandis in driving this success.
Baramulla: The Top Contributor
Baramulla district emerged as the largest contributor to J&K’s fruit exports. The Sopore Mandi alone accounted for 184.52 thousand MTs of fruits, generating ₹992 crore in revenue. Another mandi in Baramulla, Kanispora Mandi, exported 0.96 thousand MTs, contributing ₹3.51 crore. This dominance is attributed to Baramulla’s favorable climate and infrastructure for apple cultivation, which constitutes a significant portion of the region’s horticultural output.
Shopian: A Close Second
Shopian district followed as the second-largest exporter, with its Aglar Mandi shipping 125.73 thousand MTs of fruits and generating ₹657.53 crore in revenue. Known for its high-quality apples, Shopian has benefited from improved road connectivity and cold storage facilities, which have enhanced its ability to reach wider markets.
Srinagar and Other Key Contributors
Srinagar’s Parimpora Mandi also played a pivotal role, exporting 40.45 thousand MTs of fruits worth ₹258.30 crore. Pulwama contributed significantly through its two mandis—Prichoo (27.45 thousand MTs, ₹157.68 crore) and Pachhar (20.81 thousand MTs, ₹115.33 crore). Anantnag’s Batingo Mandi exported 22.42 thousand MTs, earning ₹87.04 crore, while Kupwara’s Handwara Mandi saw an export of 28.28 thousand MTs, generating ₹96.04 crore.
In the Jammu division, Narwal Mandi stood out with exports of 25.01 thousand MTs, contributing ₹170.32 crore to the total revenue.
Smaller Yet Significant Contributions
While some districts had lower export volumes, their contributions remain noteworthy. Ganderbal exported 6.78 thousand MTs worth ₹29 crore, Budgam shipped 6.30 thousand MTs generating ₹30.27 crore, and Kupwara’s second mandi exported 2.56 thousand MTs with a revenue of ₹148.20 crore.
Factors Behind the Success
The surge in fruit exports from J&K can be attributed to several key factors:
- Improved Infrastructure: Enhanced road connectivity through new four-lane highways and tunnels has significantly reduced transit times from orchards to markets.
- Cold Storage Facilities: The expansion of Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage units has allowed growers to preserve fruits for longer periods while fetching higher prices by aligning sales with market demand.
- Government Support: Initiatives under schemes like the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) have provided financial assistance for infrastructure development.
- Market Expansion: Efforts to promote J&K’s fruits in national and international markets have opened up new revenue streams for local farmers.
Economic Impact
The horticulture sector in J&K is not just about exports; it plays a crucial role in the region’s economy by engaging nearly 3.5 million people—27% of the population—in fruit cultivation and related activities. Apples alone account for about 78% of India’s annual apple production and contribute over 8% to J&K’s GDP.
The economic benefits extend beyond direct employment to ancillary industries such as packaging, transportation and marketing, creating a ripple effect that boosts local economies across the region.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite these achievements, challenges such as fluctuating market prices, limited access to international markets due to geopolitical issues and climate change impacts on fruit production persist. However, ongoing government efforts to address these issues through technology adoption, crop diversification and improved irrigation systems are expected to sustain growth.
Looking ahead, J&K aims to further increase its fruit export volumes by leveraging advanced farming techniques and expanding its reach into global markets under initiatives like ‘One District One Product’ (ODOP). With continued investment in infrastructure and farmer support programs, J&K is well-positioned to strengthen its status as India’s horticultural hub while ensuring sustainable development for its growers.
