SRINAGAR: The “Roadmap for Horticulture Development in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir @ 2047” states that over the past four decades, the area under fruit cultivation (fresh and dry) has expanded from 1.31 lakh hectares in 1980 to 3.44 lakh hectares in 2022, while production of fruits has increased from 5.6 lakh tonnes to 27.22 lakh tonnes.
The Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir, known as the “Land of Fruits,” is endowed with favourable geographic and climatic conditions that support the cultivation of a wide variety of horticultural products, including fruits, dry fruits, vegetables, spices, flowers, medicinal and aromatic plants, and honey. Horticulture, primarily focused on fruits and dry fruits, provides livelihoods for approximately 3.5 million people and contributes 6–7% to the UT’s GDP, with an estimated annual turnover of ₹10,000 crore.
The sector has witnessed remarkable growth, with production increasing from 10,000 tonnes in 1950-51 to 2.64 million tonnes in 2024-25. Over the past four decades, the area under fruit cultivation (fresh and dry) has expanded from 1.31 lakh hectares in 1980 to 3.44 lakh hectares in 2022. During this period, production of fruits has increased more than fivefold, from 5.6 lakh tonnes in 1980 to 27.22 lakh tonnes in 2022.
Among the top-performing fruits, apple dominates, accounting for 50% of the total fruit area and over 77% of total fruit production. Apple yield, at 12.5 tonnes per hectare, is the highest among all fruits. Among dry fruits, walnuts occupy a major proportion of the dry fruit area (93%) and contribute about 12% to total fruit production.
Jammu and Kashmir has been designated as an Export Zone for apple and walnut crops and is the leading producer of apples, cherries, walnuts, and almonds in India. The region is also known for producing high-quality honey, kala zeera, and saffron.
A spatial classification of major horticulture crops has identified district-wise clusters, with apples and walnuts emerging as dominant crops with multiple geographically dispersed clusters, while pear, cherry, and mango are characterised by more localised and specialised clusters.
A comparative review indicates Jammu and Kashmir’s clear national leadership in apples, walnuts, and almonds, accounting for the majority of national area and production and ranking first in yields, establishing these crops as its flagship strengths.
Per capita consumption of both fresh fruits and dry fruits has risen sharply between 2011–12 and 2023–24, with particularly strong growth in rural areas. Apple consumption grew at a CAGR of over 10% in rural areas and 4% in urban areas, while dry fruits recorded sustained growth, reflecting year-round availability and diversified use.
The marketing infrastructure for fruits and vegetables in J&K has expanded considerably, with 5 fully functional terminal mandis and 14 satellite mandis operational across various districts. Additionally, 5 Apni Mandis are currently functional, providing local farmers with greater market access.
The report states that horticulture in Jammu and Kashmir holds exceptional relevance in horticulture, contributing around 76% of India’s apple production and accounting for nearly 96% of the country’s walnut output. It is the producer of GI-tagged Kashmiri saffron, underscoring its national significance.
