A Study About Role of Horticulture in the Development of Economy of Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract

Horticulture occupies very important position in the predominantly agricultural economy of western Himalaya, among all the fruits grown in the Kashmir. Horticultural sector contributes immensely to strengthen the financial condition of Jammu and Kashmir. Horticulture is the mainstay of the economy in Kashmir with 2.3 million people associated with the sector and 237000 hectares of land in valley under fruit cultivation. This is a core sector of Jammu and Kashmir agriculture. Around 20 per cent area of the state is under horticultural crops. Horticultural sector contributes around 5000 crores to the annual income of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Among the horticultural crops in the state apple occupies the predominant position constituting around 45 per cent of the total area under fruit crops. This sector contributes significantly to the economic and ecological development, employment generation, export and nutritional requirement of the people of state. Apples are most widely planted and are commercially the most important fruit crop. The cultivation of apple crop in Jammu and Kashmir shows particular interest for a number of reasons. In terms of both area and
production, apple is very beneficial fruit crop. Apple is an extremely important source of nutritive diet, this provides a major source of income and employment in Jammu and Kashmir.