A Silent Shift in Kashmir’s Rural Landscape
Srinagar 02 June 2025: While the lush paddy fields of Jammu and Kashmir are slowly vanishing under the weight of urban sprawl and economic shifts, a quiet revolution is taking root—horticulture is not just surviving; it’s expanding.
In a region historically known for its rice bowls and saffron fields, a fundamental restructuring of rural priorities is underway. As traditional agriculture recedes, fruit cultivation is rising, not only as a lifeline for rural incomes but also as a cornerstone of Jammu and Kashmir’s evolving economy.
The Numbers Tell the Story: Fruit Over Food Grains
Rise in Horticultural Land
According to official data accessed by Greater Kashmir, the area under major horticultural crops increased from 3.42 lakh hectares in 2021–22 to 3.44 lakh hectares in 2024–25—an addition of 2,000 hectares, marking a 0.58% rise.
Production Boom
More importantly, total horticultural output jumped by 2.04 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) in the same period, translating into a significant 8.39% increase in production.
This growth runs contrary to the ongoing trend of agricultural land loss across the region.
The Decline of Traditional Agriculture
Urban Expansion into Farmlands
Farmlands, especially paddy fields, are steadily being replaced by housing colonies, highways, and commercial infrastructure. In urban fringes and even rural interiors, bulldozers have replaced ploughs.
Less Profit, More Pressure
Senior officials from the Agriculture Department confirm that the land under cultivation for staple crops like paddy is shrinking daily. A senior officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, put it bluntly:
“Traditional agriculture, especially paddy, is no longer economically viable. Many farmers are converting their fields into orchards or selling them for construction.”
This decline, while troubling for food security, is being driven by stark market realities. Returns from cereal crops are lower, input costs are rising, and climate unpredictability makes risk harder to manage.
Horticulture’s Rise: A Calculated Shift in Strategy
Economic Rationality at Play
Farmers are not simply abandoning food crops out of frustration—they are strategically pivoting toward a more profitable and future-ready alternative. Fruits—especially apples, pears, walnuts, and cherries—now offer better market returns, easier access to support schemes, and more consistent demand.
Employment and Economic Backbone
Horticulture now contributes 6–7% of the region’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and supports around 35 lakh people, directly or indirectly. Approximately 7 lakh families across the UT rely on it for their livelihood.
Exports and Market Integration: Driving Forces of Growth
In 2023–24 alone, Jammu and Kashmir exported:
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13.59 lakh metric tonnes of fresh fruit
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0.08 lakh metric tonnes of dry fruit
By November 2024, these figures already stood at:
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10.59 lakh MT (fresh)
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0.03 lakh MT (dry)
These numbers highlight the sector’s integration with national and global markets, making it a powerful economic engine.
High-Density Plantations and Tech-Driven Cultivation
High-Density Apple Orchards
The adoption of high-density apple plantations has significantly increased per-acre yields and shortened the time from planting to harvest. These orchards mature faster, are more resistant to diseases, and suit Kashmir’s changing climate patterns.
Modern Infrastructure
Farmers now benefit from:
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Cold storage chains
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Modern irrigation systems
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Automated grading and packaging centers
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Transport subsidies and e-Market integration
According to Bashir Ahmad Basheer, President of the All Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Union:
“Good market returns, high-density crops, and better support infrastructure have made horticulture more attractive. It’s more sustainable than growing cereals in today’s Kashmir.”
Government Interventions: Fueling the Transition
Subsidies & Schemes
The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) has been a game-changer. It provides:
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Financial subsidies on planting material
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Support for irrigation, fencing, and farm equipment
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Training on pruning, pest control, and harvest techniques
The government’s proactive promotion of horticulture—via awareness camps, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and technical guidance—has reassured farmers who were hesitant to make the switch.
The Flip Side: Food Security and Ecological Risks
While this boom spells prosperity, it also raises red flags.
1. Food Security at Risk
With paddy fields disappearing, concerns about regional food dependency are growing. If Kashmir’s grain output continues to fall, reliance on imports from other states could escalate, making the region vulnerable to price shocks and supply disruptions.
2. Ecological Balance in Jeopardy
Horticulture may bring better revenue, but it’s not immune to environmental concerns. Monoculture orchards reduce biodiversity, require intensive pesticide use, and may accelerate soil degradation if not managed sustainably.
Expert Insights: Balancing Growth with Ground Realities
Agricultural economists and environmentalists urge a measured approach.
“The transition to horticulture is logical and rewarding, but we need zoning laws to protect core agricultural belts,” says Dr. Muneer Ahmad, an agri-policy researcher. “J&K can’t afford to lose all food grain capacity.”
Experts propose:
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Land-use regulation to limit haphazard conversion
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Mixed farming models to balance fruit and cereal crops
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Rural land banks to track and preserve prime agri land
Comparative Lens: Global Trends Reflect Kashmir’s Path
What’s happening in J&K mirrors global trends. Across parts of Italy, Iran, and Turkey, small farmers are shifting from staple grains to high-value fruit and nut crops due to climate shifts, market volatility, and land fragmentation.
In this context, Kashmir’s horticulture surge isn’t an anomaly—it’s part of a larger agrarian transformation.
The Road Ahead: Planning for Prosperity and Preservation
To manage this transformation wisely, policymakers need to walk a tightrope between economic opportunity and ecological prudence.
Short-Term Goals:
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Strengthen crop insurance for fruit growers
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Support cooperatives for small orchardists
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Expand cold storage facilities at the block level
Medium-Term Vision:
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Introduce Food-Fruit Balance Index for regional planning
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Incentivize intercropping models (e.g., pulses + apple)
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Enforce zoning rules for farmland conversion
Long-Term Strategy:
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Establish a J&K Agri-Horti Observatory for real-time data
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Draft a State Land-Use Policy that is people-first and data-backed
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Promote agroecology and regenerative agriculture
Bottom-Line: A Fruitful Future, If Managed Well
Jammu and Kashmir’s fields are changing—some growing apples instead of rice, others giving way to concrete. In this moment of flux, horticulture has emerged not just as a survival strategy, but a symbol of resilience, innovation, and economic renewal.
But prosperity must not come at the cost of sustainability. With smart planning, strong policy, and a respect for both tradition and transformation, J&K can chart a future that’s fruitful—literally and figuratively—for generations to come.
