Srinagar, Apr 29: A rapid expansion of High-Density Plantation (HDP) is driving a structural shift in Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture sector, boosting productivity, modernising orchards and strengthening infrastructure, according to a report by NITI Aayog.
Describing horticulture as a cornerstone of the region’s economy, the report notes that the sector generates around ₹10,000 crore annually and supports nearly 35 lakh people. With favourable climatic conditions, Jammu and Kashmir continues to be recognised as a major fruit-producing region.
At the centre of the transformation is the growing adoption of HDP techniques. “HDP adoption has surged, with 32.49 lakh plants distributed in 2023–24, compared to 6.41 lakh in 2021–22,” the report states, highlighting a sharp scaling up of modern cultivation practices alongside efforts to rejuvenate ageing orchards and improve access to quality planting material.
The shift is also reflected in production trends. The area under horticulture expanded modestly from 3.35 lakh hectares in 2020–21 to 3.45 lakh hectares in 2023–24, while output rose from 22.30 lakh tonnes to a peak of 27.22 lakh tonnes in 2022–23 before easing slightly to 26.43 lakh tonnes in 2023–24, indicating improved productivity.
High- and medium-density plantations have also grown steadily, with thousands of hectares added over recent years. Parallel investments in post-harvest infrastructure have further strengthened the sector. In 2023–24, 12 Controlled Atmosphere storage units with a combined capacity of 60,000 metric tonnes were installed, taking the total capacity to 2.70 lakh metric tonnes, with further expansion planned.
Financial support under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) has been significant, with ₹1,028.21 crore allocated for horticulture projects aimed at enhancing productivity and market integration. Digital platforms such as the National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) have also expanded market access, linking 17 mandis and facilitating transactions worth ₹416 crore.
Value addition has seen notable growth, with food processing units increasing sharply from just eight in 2020–21 to 197 in 2023–24.
However, the report flags concerns over export volatility. Fruit exports dropped from 19.05 lakh tonnes in 2022–23 to 13.67 lakh tonnes in 2023–24, with revenues falling from ₹8,646 crore to ₹5,756 crore.
Despite these challenges, the report concludes that HDP-led modernisation, backed by policy support and infrastructure development, is positioning Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture sector for sustained long-term growth.
