High-density farming: Paddy land increasingly converted to apple orchards in Kashmir

Srinagar, Oct 24: High-density apple cultivation is rising across Kashmir, with more orchardists switching to modern, high-yielding varieties for better returns, higher productivity, and lower fertiliser and pesticide costs.
The growing popularity of this method continues to prompt farmers to remove old apple and almond trees and prepare additional land for high-density plantations. In some areas, farmers are also increasingly converting agricultural land traditionally used for paddy cultivation into apple orchards, reflecting a shift in farming practices driven by the prospect of higher earnings.
Fruit growers in Kashmir are showing greater interest in imported apple varieties that can accommodate more plants in a smaller area and begin producing commercially within a shorter period compared to conventional orchards. The transition is being driven by the perceived economic advantages of high-density plantations, which allow growers to make more efficient use of available land while potentially reducing the cost of crop management.
The Jammu and Kashmir government introduced a scheme in 2016 to promote high-density apple cultivation, offering financial assistance to growers seeking to replace old and less productive orchards with modern plantations. Under the scheme, eligible farmers are provided a 50 per cent subsidy for establishing high-density orchards, subject to departmental assessment and prescribed conditions. The Horticulture Department also provides technical guidance regarding site selection, plantation layout, irrigation and other essential aspects of orchard management.
An official from the Horticulture Department said that the scheme was intended to help growers modernise their orchards and improve productivity. “After assessing the site, its suitability and the availability of irrigation facilities, financial assistance is provided to eligible growers for establishing high-density plantations. The objective is to encourage scientific cultivation and help farmers obtain better returns from their land,” the official said.
He said the estimated cost of establishing a high-density orchard on one kanal of land was around Rs 1.60 lakh, of which the government provides Rs 80,000 as subsidy, while the beneficiary contributes the remaining amount. High-density plantations require proper planning and regular maintenance, with irrigation being one of the most important components, he added.
According to horticulture officials, while traditional orchards generally accommodate around 250 trees per hectare, high-density systems can accommodate approximately 4,000 plants per hectare, depending on the planting system and variety.
Showkat Ahmad, a high-density apple grower, said the productivity of these orchards improves as the trees mature, encouraging more farmers to adopt the system. “The response from growers has been encouraging because high-density plantations offer the possibility of better production and improved returns. The yield increases as the orchard develops, and the quality and market value of the produce can also make a difference to a grower’s income,” he said.
Horticulture experts said high-density cultivation could also help reduce the excessive use of agricultural inputs associated with some traditional orchards, as conventional apple trees often grow considerably taller, making spraying and other management operations more difficult.
Ansar-ul-Haq, Assistant Manager at Master Pro Lassipora, said high-density apple plantations can reduce fertiliser consumption by around 70 per cent and pesticide spraying by nearly 80 per cent compared to conventional systems. He said some high-density varieties could produce around 50 to 70 metric tonnes of apples per hectare by the third year under suitable conditions, whereas traditional orchards generally produce considerably lower quantities.
A scientist associated with SKUAST said modernisation of the horticulture sector was essential to improve the economic prospects of fruit growers, and that high-density cultivation offered an opportunity to increase productivity by utilising every inch of land more efficiently. He said certain varieties also offered improved resistance to apple scab, potentially reducing crop losses and the need for chemical treatments.
However, the increasing conversion of agricultural land into apple orchards has brought the changing pattern of land use into focus, particularly in areas where paddy cultivation has traditionally been an important source of livelihood. Experts say farmers should carefully assess the suitability of their land, long-term water availability, establishment costs and market conditions before making the transition, and stress the need for technical guidance and effective implementation of government support schemes. (KNO)