Srinagar, Samba, Bandipora have least horticulture land
Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Mar 15 : Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture sector continues to expand, with Anantnag emerging as the largest horticulture-producing district in 2023-24, covering 32,156 hectares—9.33% of the total horticulture area in the Union Territory, according to data from the government.
Following Anantnag, Baramulla (30,398 ha, 8.82%) and Kupwara (29,167 ha, 8.46%) are among the largest contributors to fruit and dry fruit cultivation. Pulwama (26,463 ha, 7.68%), Shopian (26,242 ha, 7.61%), and Kulgam (23,276 ha, 6.75%) also play significant roles in horticultural production, the data accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) reveals.
At the other end, Srinagar has the lowest horticulture area, with just 3,298 hectares (0.96%), followed by Samba (5,653 ha, 1.64%) and Bandipora (6,849 ha, 1.99%). Other districts with relatively lower horticulture coverage include Reasi (9,053 ha, 2.63%) and Kishtwar (9,814 ha, 2.85%).
According to the data, the UT has a total horticulture area of 3,44,696 hectares. Fresh fruits cover 2,52,257 hectares (73.2%), while dry fruits account for 92,438 hectares (26.8%).
Kashmir Valley dominates horticulture, with districts like Anantnag, Baramulla and Kupwara leading the sector. Meanwhile, Jammu region contributes through mango, ber and citrus fruit production—(KNO)
