Srinagar,: Contrary to concerns about a decline, the horticulture industry in Jammu & Kashmir has shown positive growth in recent years, according to a government response tabled in the legislative assembly.
The reply, addressing an unstarred question regarding the promotion of the apple industry, reveals an increase in both production and exports of horticultural produce.
As per the details available with news agency JKNS stated that during 2021-22, the production stood at 23.41 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) with 12.07 LMT exported outside the Union Territory (UT).
During 2022-23, the Production increased to 27.21 LMT and exports rose to 17.48 LMT and during 2023-24, the production remained strong at 26.43 LMT with exports reaching 18.57 LMT while in 2024-25 (up to February), the poduction is projected at 26.46 LMT and exports at 13.12 LMT.
These figures as per JKNS presented by the government, indicate a steady growth in the horticulture sector, a key pillar of the J&K economy.
The government claimed that various steps were taken to promote Kashmiri apples nationwide that includes that expansion of market infrastructure and modernization of trading.
While the government’s data paints a positive picture, the horticulture industry in J&K continues to face challenges. These include weather fluctuations, transportation issues, and market competition. It remains to be seen how the government’s initiatives will address these long-term concerns and ensure sustainable growth for the sector.
The government’s focus on expanding market access and modernizing trading practices is expected to further boost the horticulture industry in the coming years.
The sector’s continued growth is crucial for the economic prosperity of Jammu & Kashmir and the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.
The horticulture sector in Jammu & Kashmir is witnessing a significant boost through the adoption of e-NAM (National Agricultural Market) and strategic buyer-seller meets, according to recent government data.
The initiatives have led to increased trade volumes and substantial financial gains for local farmers.
The government report highlights a dramatic increase in trade through the e-NAM platform.
During 2022-23, there was a trade of approximately 92,236.29 quintals (Qtls) resulted in a turnover of Rs. 32.72 crore while in 2023-24, the trade surged to about 655,759.16 Qtls, generating a turnover of Rs. 416.08 crore and 2024-25 (to date), the trade has already reached 943,464.20 Qtls, with a turnover of Rs. 594.17 crore.
This exponential growth demonstrates the increasing popularity and effectiveness of the e-NAM platform among J&K’s farmers and traders. Furthermore, the report states that over 50,000 farmers and traders have registered on the platform, indicating widespread adoption.
To further enhance market access for local produce, the horticulture department has been actively organizing buyer-seller meets across India. These events aim to connect J&K farmers directly with large-scale buyers.
In the past two years, buyer-seller meets have been conducted in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Jammu, and Srinagar.
These initiatives have successfully increased promotion and awareness of J&K’s horticultural produce, opened avenues for direct marketing, allowing growers to access new markets and secure better prices for their products. (JKNS)