Kupwara leads in walnut production for 2nd consecutive year

Srinagar, Nov 30: For the second consecutive year, Kupwara district in north Kashmir has witnessed highest production of walnuts this year across all districts owing to several interventions of the Horticulture Department..
According to official data, the district boasts 8,829 hectares dedicated to walnut cultivation, yielding an impressive 37,010 metric tonnes of walnuts this year in all the 15 zones.
The 37,010 metric tonnes of walnut include 1519 MT in Handwara, 2112 MT in Rajwar, 1954 MT in Vilgam, 1140 MT in Ashpora, 1208 MT in Kralgund, 536 MT in Langate, 1520 MT in Mawer, 2664 MT in Drugmulla, 5099 MT in Kupwara, 5006 MT in Sogam, 3634 MT in Dooniwari, 2956 in Trehgam, 3552 MT in Kralpora, 3552 MT in Kralpora, 2632 in Tangdar, and 1977 in Teetwal.
According to officials, last year the district witnessed 8,820 hectares dedicated to walnut farming, yielding a record-breaking production of 30,894 metric tonnes—the highest in any district. The walnuts are also produced in all districts of the valley, but the top production of walnuts comes from Kupwara.
Chief Horticulture Officer Kupwara, Muneer Ahmad Wani, highlighted that the Horticulture Department has implemented various initiatives.
Among them is the establishment of a state-of-the-art walnut nursery, contributing significantly to increased production and fostering confidence among farmers in the frontier district.
Regarding the production of grafted walnut plants in district Kupwara district, he said that the department is working in the public and private sector.
“During 2022-23, we have established a Hi-Tech walnut nursery in the private sector at Khidi Mawar which will produce grafted walnuts which will cater to the demand of adjacent areas,” he said.
“Similarly, this year (2023-24) also another walnut nursery is being established in the private sector in Rajwar area,” the CHO said.
Apart from this he said the department has facilities for grafting of walnuts at Chogal Nursery, Galoora Nursery, Chandigam Nursery which will produce enough grafted walnut plants to meet the demand of the public and boost the production and productivity of quality walnuts.