Jammu, Mar 15: Minister Incharge of Agriculture Production, Sunil Kumar Sharma, has revealed a comprehensive overview of horticultural production and assistance in the Padder–Nagseni constituency, highlighting significant achievements in both yield and farmer support initiatives.
According to official figures, the total fruit production in the constituency stands at over 7,400 metric tonnes. Walnut production leads with 4,380 MT, followed by apples at 2,161 MT. Other fruits produced in the region include apricots (463 MT), pears (171 MT), peaches (90 MT), plums (81 MT), limes & lemons (10 MT), kiwi (7 MT), and other assorted fruits (51 MT).
Over the last two years, fruit growers in the area have benefited from extensive financial assistance under various horticulture schemes. In 2023–24, a total of 123 beneficiaries received subsidies amounting to Rs. 39.68 lakh across multiple components including area expansion, kiwi plantations, water harvesting tanks, vermi compost units, and battery-operated sprayers.
The momentum continued in 2024–25 with 307 beneficiaries receiving Rs. 64.35 lakh in support. Key activities covered this year included orchard rejuvenation, procurement of power tillers and brush cutters, construction of water harvesting tanks, and distribution of Integrated Nutrient and Pest Management kits. Farmers also benefited from on-farm handling units such as pack houses and vermi composting infrastructure.
In a move to further empower the horticulture sector, Sharma confirmed that training programmes aimed at promoting Modern Horticulture Techniques are being actively organized across the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. A dedicated training and exposure schedule has been proposed for District Kishtwar for the year 2025–26, with special emphasis on the Padder–Nagseni constituency.
