Traditional orchards, weak markets holding back Kashmir’s horticulture: NITI Aayog

Srinagar, Apr 19: A detailed assessment by NITI Aayog has flagged multiple structural and systemic gaps in Kashmir’s horticulture sector, pointing to low productivity, outdated orchard practices, weak market linkages and limited adoption of modern technologies as key challenges affecting farmer incomes.

In its report titled “Roadmap for Horticulture Development in the UT of J&K,” the policy body notes that in the Kashmir region, “most orchards are planted with seedling rootstocks at traditional spacing, which results in low productivity.” It underlines the urgency of transitioning towards modern systems, stating that “there is a pressing need for orchard rejuvenation, replacing old and senile orchards with modern high-density plantations using dwarf or exotic rootstocks.”

Water use efficiency has also emerged as a critical concern. The report observes that “drip irrigation systems need to be scaled up to maximise water use efficiency to utilise limited irrigation water,” especially as pressure on water resources increases.

Highlighting broader concerns across both Jammu and Kashmir regions, the report points to “land use shifts: diversion of land towards other uses from agriculture,” which it says is gradually shrinking the area under cultivation. It further warns that “climate variability: emerging as a serious concern, increasing risks for farmers,” adding another layer of uncertainty to the sector.

The report also flags the continued prevalence of unscientific cultivation practices. It notes “indiscriminate use of chemical inputs,” “lack of adherence to proper pesticide application schedules,” and “inadequate awareness about chemical-free (organic and natural farming) produce demand in the international markets,” which together impact both crop quality and export competitiveness.

Gaps in input support and extension services remain a major bottleneck. According to the report, there is a “lack of access to quality seeds and planting materials,” along with “insufficient handholding for the scientific use of agri-inputs, particularly in guiding the judicious use of fertilisers and pesticides.”

On the quality front, the report highlights that “product testing and compliance with food safety norms are not widely practised, and farmer awareness regarding residue testing remains very low,” raising concerns over market acceptance, especially in export destinations.

Market structure and value chain inefficiencies also come under scrutiny. The report states that “weak value chain links: poor coordination from production to marketing, with marketing arrangements often controlled by traders, with a limited role for FPOs or co-operatives or PACS,” limiting the bargaining power of farmers.

Post-harvest management continues to be another weak link. “Post-harvest losses remain high due to poor handling practices, lack of timely domestic transportation, inadequate cold chain infrastructure, and limited CA storage facilities,” the report notes.

It further points to the “slow adoption of modern” technologies and practices as an underlying factor compounding many of these challenges, indicating that the pace of transformation in the sector remains uneven.