Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Mar 26: Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed an unprecedented response to its high-density plantation initiative, with applications received for over 7,000 hectares of land, far exceeding the official target of 1,343 hectares set for the project.
The scheme, aimed at boosting horticulture production in the region, has attracted a massive number of farmers and orchardists eager to adopt modern plantation techniques. The overwhelming demand highlights a growing interest in high-density farming, which promises higher yields, better quality produce, and improved income for farmers.
According to officials, the Department of Horticulture had initially planned to bring 1,343 hectares under high-density plantation in the next financial year. However, the response has been far greater than expected, signalling a significant shift toward modern horticultural practices in the Union Territory.
High-density plantation, particularly in apple, pear, and cherry orchards, have proven to increase productivity manifold compared to traditional farming methods.
The officials said the proposed target under the High-Density Plantation (HADP) for the next financial year in Kashmir is 808.5 hectares, while the applications received so far total over 6,240 hectares.
In the Jammu division, the target for the HADP for the next financial year is 535 hectares, while applications received are for 885 hectares. In Pulwama district, which has a target of 90 hectares, applications have been received for 1,855 hectares. In Anantnag, where the target is 70 hectares, applications received a total of 1,473 hectares.
Ramban is the only district where applications received so far do not meet the target; there is a target of 48 hectares, while only 22 hectares of applications have been received.
It is pertinent to mention that Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture sector continues to grow, with Anantnag emerging as the leading district in terms of horticultural area during 2023-24. Official data reveals Anantnag accounts for 32,156 hectares, making up 9.33% of the total horticultural land in the Union Territory.
Following closely are Baramulla with 30,398 hectares (8.82%) and Kupwara with 29,167 hectares (8.46%), both playing crucial roles in fruit and dry fruit cultivation. Pulwama (26,463 hectares, 7.68%), Shopian (26,242 hectares, 7.61%), and Kulgam (23,276 hectares, 6.75%) are also key contributors to horticulture in the region.
On the lower end of the spectrum, Srinagar has the smallest horticultural footprint, covering only 3,298 hectares (0.96%). Samba follows with 5,653 hectares (1.64%), while Bandipora has 6,849 hectares (1.99%). Other districts with comparatively lesser horticultural land include Reasi (9,053 hectares, 2.63%) and Kishtwar (9,814 hectares, 2.85%).
The total horticultural area across J&K stands at 344,696 hectares. Fresh fruit cultivation spans 252,257 hectares (73.2%), while dry fruit orchards cover 92,438 hectares (26.8%).
The Kashmir Valley remains the dominant region for horticulture, with Anantnag, Baramulla, and Kupwara leading the way. Meanwhile, the Jammu region contributes to the sector with crops like mangoes, citrus fruits, and ber. (KNO)
