The valley of Kashmir has been always known for growing quality temperate fruits since time immemorial. Even famous Kashmiri historian Kalhana in his famous book Rajtarangini extensively mentions the practice of fruit cultivation in the valley.
Thereafter, during the reign of Shah dynasty and Mughals, horticulture gained enough prominence. Many new fruits from Persia were introduced here that widened the scope of fruit cultivation.
Even in current times, a major part of J&K’s economy is directly dependent on horticulture.
The successive governments have always been keen to further develop this sector and thus many innovative changes were introduced in the fruit cultivation industry that enabled the orchardists to exponentially grow the quality and quantity of fruit production.
However, the new transformations are direly required as the fruit market is extremely dynamic. The demand for new varieties like Balck Diamond are ever increasing besides going fully organic is a preferable choice of many customers now.
This native fruit industry needs to incorporate versatility at an earliest in order to remain abreast with changing market demands. The setting up of high density farms, Controlled Atmosphere stores & building up an effective supply chain where farmers are appropriately benefitted remains imperative.
The present required need of cold stores in Kashmir is exceeding 6 lakh metric tonnes whereas the available storage is approximately 1/6th. The business community of J&K must invest in this sector as it will diversify their present areas of thrust and even generate ample profits for them.
Horticulture holds the key to our prospective future only if we feel the pulse of the market and work accordingly.
