Srinagar, July 24: There is an increased demand for Kashmiri vegetables across different markets in the country and exports have increased as compared to the previous years.
Due to the floods that have hit northern India, there has been an increased demand for Kashmir vegetables outside the Union Territory and consequently soaring prices in the local market.
Director Agriculture Kashmir, Chowdhary Mohammad Iqbal said there is a huge demand for the local Kashmir vegetables in the country.
On Monday, some 30-40 trucks of vegetables were exported from Jammu and Kashmir and the vegetables are fetching good prices and farmers are also happy.
“Out of 2,16,785 Metric Tonnes of vegetables grown between June and July, more than 80,719 Metric Tonnes were exported,” the director said.
He said despite the challenges on Srinagar-Jammu highway which poses a challenge in export they have been able to send 100MT of vegetables this week only.
The agriculture department expects to produce 2,42,000 MT of vegetables in the month of August which add to the economy of the farmers.
“This year there is sustainability among the people for the crops. Although there are rains, that would not affect paddy or vegetable crops. However, sometimes rains delays maturity in vegetables,” he said.
The director also said this year some 32,000 metric tonnes of garlic was exported from Kulgam and Shopian districts of south Kashmir alone.
