Pulwama, Ma r 19: The horticulture sector in Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed significant growth in both production and market value over the past few years.
This progress has been driven by technological advancements, improved marketing strategies, and government-backed initiatives.
The information was shared by the Minister Incharge in response to an unstarred question by MLA Shopian, Shabir Ahmad Kullay, during a session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.
The Minister stated that the introduction of various government schemes and technological interventions has led to a noticeable increase in production, improved marketing strategies, and enhanced support for related aspects of the sector.
He informed the House that horticulture production has risen from 23.41 LMT in 2021-22 to 26.46 LMT in 2024-25, reflecting a consistent upward trend.
Also, the Minister highlighted that this surge in production has been accompanied by a substantial increase in market value.
Revenue from e-NAM transactions soared from ₹14.23 lakh in 2020-21 to ₹59,459.51 lakh in 2024-25.
He further elaborated that high-density plantation schemes, financial assistance for orchard rejuvenation, and the expansion of cold storage facilities have played a crucial role in enhancing yield and improving post-harvest management.
Notably, CA storage capacity has expanded from just 12,004 MTs in 2020-21 to 1,68,342 MTs in 2024-25, while the number of Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage units has increased from 4 to 38 over the same period.
It was informed that a network of 24 Fruit and Vegetable Mandis has been established across Jammu & Kashmir, providing essential facilities for farmers and traders.
Furthermore, 13 additional mandis are currently at various stages of development.
The Minister also stated that 17 mandis have been integrated with the e-NAM (National Agricultural Market) portal, enabling farmers and traders to conduct transactions electronically, improving transparency and market access.
