Apple production in Jammu and Kashmir remains a central aspect of the Union Territory's economy. Production estimates indicate 20.40 LMT for 2022-23, 20.64 LMT for 2023-24, and 20.56 LMT for 2024-25. Export figures show 12.07 LMT in 2021-22, 17.48 LMT in 2022-23, 18.57 LMT in 2023-24, and 13.13 LMT up to February 2025.
To minimize post-harvest losses, controlled atmosphere (CA) storage facilities are being expanded. The current CA storage capacity is 2.70 LMT, with an additional 0.37 LMT planned, increasing the total to 3.07 LMT. Main CA hubs are in Lassipora, Pulwama, and Aglar, Shopian.
Quality control for pesticides and fertilizers is monitored to prevent substandard products. Compliance is enforced under the Insecticides Act of 1968, Fertiliser Control Order of 1985, and Seed Act of 1966, with regular inspections by the Directorate of Enforcement.
The High-Density Plantation scheme, initiated in 2016-17, expanded to 836 hectares by 2024-25. The horticulture sector supports 35 lakh people, with seven lakh families reliant on it.
The Agriculture Marketing (e-NAM) platform has registered over 50,000 farmers and traders, facilitating electronic transactions. Trade turnover increased from approximately $2.5 million in 2021-22 to approximately $71.2 million in 2024-25.
Infrastructure and market access are being enhanced through schemes like the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and the Rainfed Area Development (RAD). A Common Incubation Centre for apple grading and processing is operational at Doabgah Sopore. There is no current proposal to re-establish the juice factory at Chini-Wudar-Poshkiri-Kanelwan.
Source: Kashmir Life