Horticulture sector faces several challenges in Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar: The horticulture sector plays a significant role in Jammu & Kashmir’s economy. Its contribution is around 9% to the region’s GDP, depending on over 7 lakh families. Most people in the rural areas are reliant on horticulture, improving their standard of living. Jammu & Kashmir is the leading producer of apples and walnuts in the country. However, in spite of growth, the horticulture sector is not free from challenges.

Despite progress in recent years, the industry has been facing challenges such as climate change, limited market access, and poor storage infrastructure. The variety of horticulture products has made Jammu & Kashmir a major hub in the country. Currently, apple farming is being done around 1.64 lakh hectares in Kashmir.

The government has been trying to provide facilities like cold storage and storage capacity of fruits to reduce post-harvest losses. But several issues still hit the horticulture industry, which is a matter of great concern.

Also Read: Chaubatia Garden set for major revival to make it world-class tourist hub

Farmers of Jammu & Kashmir don’t have the accessibility of a potential market, which forced them to sell their products at a low price. Harsh weather ruins the fruits, so there is a need for climate-resilient farming for the protection of their products.

Kashmiri products have to face cutthroat competition from local as well as international markets. Lack of quality fertilizers and pesticides and high costs in farming affect the quality and yield of J&K’s farmers, making it difficult for them to compete.

A dearth of quality storage facilities forces farmers to sell their perishable items at low prices. Several farmers don’t have the knowledge of new schemes like modern farming techniques, improving yield, and so on, which let them fall behind to others.

The horticulture sector can reach the pinnacle in J&K. In fact, it is essential to create job opportunities in this sector like fertilizer production, machinery, fruit preservation and processing.