Govt introduces hi-tech poly-houses to push walnut production

Srinagar, Apr 18: Jammu and Kashmir Horticulture Department has introduced hi-tech poly houses named “Walnut Nursery” along with high-yielding dwarf varieties to increase walnut production, officials said.
Financial Commissioner Agriculture Production Department, Atal Dulloo said the department has a special focus as far as the walnut industry is concerned and many people are associated with the walnut business.
“This is a very good initiative of the department and the department is working to improve its walnut production and provide quality plants to the farmers, which is our priority,” he said.
Dulloo said the introduction of hi-tech poly houses is a positive step towards increasing walnut production in the region. He said poly houses provide a controlled environment for plants, protecting them from pests, diseases, and extreme weather conditions.
“When the farmers get quality planting material or plants we will get good quality material. This is a step in this direction if farmers want to improve themselves and if farmers want to improve their walnut orchards,” he said.
Dulloo also said that the walnut has very good scope in Kashmir and it has the potential to go in the national and international markets and can fetch good prices.
Horticulture officials also informed that the hi-tech poly houses have the latest technology like controlling temperature and giving a suitable environment to the crop.
“This can lead to higher yields and better quality produce of walnuts as walnuts is an important cash crop in Kashmir and increasing production through the use of technology can have a positive impact on the local economy,” they said.
They said in spite of growing walnuts outdoors, it is helpful to grow inside. During snowfall also we can work inside these houses and the temperature can also be adjusted as per need.
Walnut is grown across Kashmir and is one of the important sources of income. Walnut is a dry fruit with tremendous export potential.
As per figures of the Horticulture Department, the area under cultivation of walnut is 46,197 ha. The average annual production of walnuts is 182,659 metric tonnes.