The Nuts and Dry Fruit Council of India, NDFC(I), initiated a walnut plantation program in Chakrata, Uttarakhand, from December 28 to 29. This program, a first in India, involved planting 300 grafted walnut saplings. It aims to boost domestic nut production, decrease import dependence, and foster economic growth for local farmers. It marks the beginning of a three-year project intending to involve over 1,000 cultivators in the region.
The initiative targets a cluster of around 3 villages in Chakrata, engaging over 70 farmers. It not only involves the plantation of 300 saplings but also offers extensive training on plantation techniques and care during critical growth phases. The saplings, sourced from AGRONOM, a Turkish horticultural firm, through Kalason Nursery, an Indian importer, are expected to yield high outputs. This initiative precedes the 2nd edition of MEWA in February 2025, aiming to enhance nut production in India.
In collaboration with WANGAI, the initiative seeks to establish India as a top walnut producer and exporter, eventually broadening its focus to other nuts. The plan includes expanding cultivation in the Chakrata and Tuni regions, incorporating 1000 farmers into the project. Achin Aggarwal, Chair, of the Committee for Agriculture and Farmers Connect at NDFC(I), commented on the initiative's goals to meet the rising demand for walnuts, spurred by a global shift towards healthier lifestyles, and its potential to transform the region into a significant walnut export hub.
The project underscores the importance of sustainability, continuous plantation efforts, and the development of nut plant nurseries in India, providing farmers with access to high-yielding grafted plants. The local economy is anticipated to be enhanced through increased walnut production and job creation.
Source: Passionate in Marketing