BASKETFUL OF FRUITS FROM KASHMIR
The horticulture sector
contributes largely to sustain the economy of Jammu and Kashmir
and earn much-needed foreign exchange for the country. Even during
the 13-year long turbulent period when almost all other sectors
in the State nose-dived, horticulture invariably registered a
remarkable growth. This vital sector holds promise within domestic
and foreign markets as also fruit processing ventures.
With an annual
turnover of over Rs. 1,500 crore, over six lakh families are mainly
associated with horticulture in the State. It generates employment
for nearly 25 lakh people directly or indirectly.
Fruit production
in the State has increased to 11.05 lakh metric tons from a mere
16,000 metric tons in 1953-54. Of this, the fresh fruit production
accounts for 10.22 lakh metric tons.
The area under
fruit crops cultivation has increased by 17 times. It has shot
upto 2.19 lakh hectares in 2000-01 from only 12,400 hectares in
1953-54. The per hectare yield too has gone upto 5.08 metric tons
from 1.29 metric tons during this period.
Plantations have
been done on more than 10,846 hectares under the Centrally-sponsored
Integrated Development of Tropical, Arid and Temperate Fruit Zones
at a cost of Rs. 4.56 crore. Under the area expansion programme,
over 44 lakh plants, produced in government and private nurseries,
have been distributed among the prospective cultivators.
Climate
Jammu and Kashmir
has a monopoly in production of dry fruits. The State earns Rs.
250 crore annually from dry fruit production. The export of walnuts
alone accounted for Rs. 110 crore towards the country’s foreign
exchange earnings during 2001-2002as compared to only Rs. 7.69
crore in 1983-84.
Fresh fruits
like apples, cherries and pears are the major commercial crops
of Jammu and Kashmir. The area under apple cultivation accounts
for 87,000 hectares with an annual production of 9.29 lakh metric
tons.
Challenges
To face the marketing
challenge in potential domestic and foreign spheres, special efforts
for increasing production of quality fruit through innovative
measures have been initiated in a big way.
The focus is
on introduction of high yielding varieties by applying the latest
methods. Nurseries are being upgraded for producing hybrid plants.
These measures are expected to increase the quality of produce
by more than 50 per cent from the existing 20 per cent.
Jammu and Kashmir
has recently been declared as an agro export zone for apple and
walnuts to give the much-needed thrust to these fruits. The project,
estimated to cost Rs. 120 crore, envisages orchard rejuvenation,
nursery modernisation, improvement in production and quality,
laboratory facilities for testing agro-information system, post-harvesting
fruit handling and export to target markets besides research and
demonstration.
New Strategy
The project provides
for area expansion under walnut plantation, integrated technology
for post-harvesting management like drying, grading, sorting and
sales promotion drive in the markets of Germany, the Netherlands,
UK, Belgium, Spain and Egypt in accordance with the World Trade
Organisation (WTO) norms.
To improve quality
and also increase the per unit productivity, emphasis is being
laid on the production of high density fruit plants of apply,
cherry and pears. During the last six years, five lakh such plants
have been distributed among the progressive orchardists.
The State government
is enforcing labelling of fruits by strict quality control measures
to boost the export of horticulture produce. Research institutions
have been established to identify agro-climatic conditions.
An ambitious
programme under Technology Mission on Horticulture for Jammu and
Kashmir was recently discussed at a meeting of senior officials
of Central and State governments. Horticulture in the State is
likely to get a boost in consonance with WTO standards at a cost
of Rs.100 crore.
To step up export
of the renowned Kashmir cherries, efforts are on to ensure its
quick transportation to the markets.
* Inputs from
O.P. Sharma Freelance Journalist , Jammu
