REVIVAL INITIATIVE
In the picturesque valley of Kashmir, an initiative has been launched under the visionary leadership of the Honourable Vice-Chancellor of SKUAST-K (Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir) Prof. Dr. Nazir Ahmad Ganieto revive and promote the long-forgotten Ambri apple, a native variety that once thrived in the region. This project centered at the Ambri Apple Research Centre, Pahnoo, Shopian, marks a significant step towards safeguarding the genetic legacy of this iconic fruit, which is at risk of extinction.
Ambri apples have historically been grown in Kashmir, particularly in Shopian, and had a distinctive position in the world for producing a particular variety of apple called “Ambri”. The Ambri apple is an attractive variety with a distinctively oblong/conical shape, often flattened at the base. Some fruits also have some ribbing. Ambri apples are medium to large in size, and the skin of this variety has a reddish pink blush and smearing striping overlaid on a greenish-yellow background. The Ambri apple’s white flesh is creamy, crispy, aromatic, and sweet. Ambri apple trees are fairly vigorous, tall, and broad. The trees produce a large number of fruits.
The Decline of the Ambri Apple
Ambri apple is an indigenous apple of Kashmir and was the most widely cultivated variety till about 1960’s, when some imported and highly commercialized advanced substitute varieties of apple trees were introduced in Kashmir. Ambri apples begin to get pulled off from orchards because of many drawbacks like, low yield, late and alternate bearing, disease prone and high fall. People begin to uproot and axe the Ambri apple trees when new varieties of delicious food are introduced with qualities overcoming the drawbacks of Ambri.
The Ambri apple, known for its unique taste, crisp texture, and rich aroma, holds a special place in Kashmir’s cultural and agricultural heritage. However, due to changing agricultural practices, the introduction of commercially popular apple varieties and a decline in traditional orchard management, the Ambri apple has been gradually pushed to the margins. As a result, this once-abundant variety is now rare, and its genetic pool is under threat.
The Revival Plan
To preserve and rejuvenate this native variety, the Ambri Apple Research Centre at Pahnoo has embarked on an ambitious mission. The initiative’s core component is an intensive survey Kashmir. The overarching goal is to safeguard its genetic diversity and prevent the complete disappearance of this heritage fruit.
Fortunately, when it came into notice of concerned that the indigenous apple variety of Kashmir is slowly vanishing in the orchards of Valley, Valleys premiere institute SKUAST-Kashmir came up with a flagship programme of revival of Ambri apple and commissioned a fully equipped research station known as Ambri Apple Research Station, Pahnoo Shopian. In this research station scientist worked enough to subside the Ambri apple drawbacks and collected a huge Ambri germplasm. They came up with new Ambri crosses, rare selection of Ambri and Ambri on HDP (High Density Plantation).
A dedicated team of experts has been constituted to conduct a comprehensive village-to-village survey, with the following key objectives:
- Identifying and Cataloguing Ambri Germplasm: The team is tasked with identifying surviving Ambri apple trees, documenting their characteristics, and cataloguing the germplasm. This step is crucial to preserving the genetic diversity of the Ambri variety and ensuring that its unique traits are not lost.
- Geo-Tagging for Future Conservation and Research: Each identified Ambri apple tree has beengeo-tagged, allowing for precise future reference. This geo-tagging will enable researchers and conservationists to track the locations of these elite selections, facilitating ongoing research and conservation efforts.
- Preserving the Genetic Heritage for Future Generations: The ultimate goal of this initiative is to preserve the genetic heritage of the Ambri apple for future generations. By conserving its diversity, SKUAST-K hopes to not only revive the apple’s popularity but also ensure that this unique variety remains a part of Kashmir’s agricultural landscape for years to come.
The Role of SKUAST-K
Under the guidance of the Honourable Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K has positioned itself at the forefront of efforts to revitalize Kashmir’s traditional agricultural practices. The Ambri apple revival is one of the university’s key projects aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture, preserving local biodiversity, and enhancing the livelihoods of local farmers.
The university’s leadership is focused on ensuring that this initiative serves as a model for other regions, demonstrating the importance of preserving native crops that are both culturally significant and environmentally resilient.
Looking Ahead
The Ambri apple revival initiative is not just about conserving a fruit variety; it is about reclaiming a piece of Kashmir’s identity. As the survey progresses and elite Ambri selections are identified, the next steps will involve propagating these trees, establishing dedicated orchards, and promoting the Ambri apple in local and international markets.
This initiative offers hope for a sustainable future where traditional varieties like the Ambri apple can coexist with modern agricultural practices. With the support of SKUAST-K and the active participation of local communities, the Ambri apple may soon reclaim its rightful place as a symbol of Kashmir’s rich agricultural heritage.
In this rediscovery, the forgotten flavours of the Ambri apple may once again become a cherished part of Kashmir’s orchards, a testament to the enduring value of preserving our past for future generations.
(The author is working at Ambri Apple Research Centre, SKUAST-K, Shalimar and can be reached at [email protected])
