J&K’s diverse terrain, climate offer major boost to horticulture growth: NITI Aayog

Jammu & Kashmir continues to display significant geographical and climatic diversity that directly influences its agricultural and horticultural landscape.

Spread across distinct terrain zones—from the Kandi plains and Siwalik hills to the mountainous Kashmir Valley and Pir Panjal ranges—the region supports a wide variety of crops and farming practices.

This has been stated in NITI Aayog report titled Road Map for Horticulture Development in the UT of J&K. The report has been prepared by Dr. Neelam Patel, Senior Adviser, NITI Aayog, Dr. Babita Singh, Senior Consultant, NITI Aayog, Dr. Syed Zameer,

Head, Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Horticulture, SKUSAT-Kashmir and Dr. Namrata Thapa, Consultant-I, NITI Aayog

Located between 32.17° to 36.58° North latitude and 73.26° to 80.30° East longitude, Jammu and Kashmir shares strategic borders with Pakistan and China. The territory is divided into two major administrative divisions—Jammu and Kashmir—each with its own cultural and agricultural characteristics. “The region is traversed by major rivers such as the Chenab River, Jhelum River, and Tawi River, which play a crucial role in irrigation and farming. However, despite these water resources, agriculture remains largely rain-fed, with only about 42% of the net sown area irrigated,” says the report. As per the 2011 Census, the population of the UT stood at 1.23 crore, projected to reach 1.35 crore by 2021–22. “Agriculture remains a key economic activity, although it is characterized by small and fragmented landholdings, averaging just 0.59 hectares,” it adds.

It states that the UT exhibits extreme climatic variation, with temperatures ranging from as high as 45°C in the Jammu plains to as low as –15°C in the higher reaches of Kashmir. “This variation has led to the classification of four major agro-climatic zones, enabling the cultivation of both subtropical fruits like mango and guava in Jammu, and temperate fruits such as apple, cherry, and almond in the Kashmir Valley.”

“Land-use data from recent years indicates stability in forest cover, which remains around 27% of the total reporting area. However, the area under fallow land has increased, suggesting untapped potential for expanding horticulture if supported by improved irrigation and land management practices,” adds the report. Experts note that while the net sown area has remained largely unchanged, future agricultural growth in the region will depend on increasing productivity rather than expanding cultivated land. Strategies such as adopting high-yield crops, improving irrigation infrastructure, and promoting agroforestry could help boost the sector. Overall, Jammu & Kashmir’s diverse agro-climatic conditions offer strong potential for horticulture-led growth, provided challenges related to water management and land use are effectively addressed.