Kulgam’s horticulture production surges to 2,38,467 metric tons in 2023

Kulgam, Feb 10: South Kashmir’s Kulgam district has witnessed a substantial surge in horticulture production, with its horticultural output, encompassing both fresh and dry fruits, soaring to 2,38,467 metric tons in 2023.
This marks a significant increase from 132,976 metric tons recorded in 2009, officials said.
Nisar Ahmad, District Level SMS Horticulture Officer in Kulgam, said the district is witnessing a significant increase in both horticulture production and the area devoted to the sector.
He said that in 2009, the area under horticulture was approximately 20,449 hectares, yielding 1,32,976 metric tons. “Except for the flood year in 2014 when production declined to just 1,14,676 metric tons due to flash floods, there has been a consistent uptick in production,” he said.
Nisar said that according to their latest survey for the year 2023-24, the area under the horticulture sector totals 23,276 hectares, including nearly 4040.12 hectares dedicated to dry fruits like walnuts and almonds.
“Apple, pear, apricot, plum, cherry, grapes, along with dry fruits such as walnut and almond, are among the types of fruits cultivated in the 10 horticulture zones of Kulgam district,” he said, adding that predominantly, apples occupy the largest area and production.
Following apples, walnuts and pears are the fruits with significant production, the officer said, adding, “The district cultivates approximately 30 varieties of apples, including Delicious, Kulu Delicious, Gala, Kinor, Golden, Maharaji, and American. However, the most common variety in Kulgam is the red delicious.”
Among the land currently under the horticulture sector, we have more than 1500 kanals covered under high-density orchards, where orchardists receive approximately 50 percent subsidy for setting up orchards through government schemes, he added.
Various schemes under horticulture are farmer-friendly, and farmers should take advantage of such schemes to enhance both the production and quality of produce in the district, the horticulture officer said.