NADEEM NADU
Srinagar, Feb 04:
Contrary to concerns about a decline, the horticulture industry in Jammu & Kashmir has shown positive growth in recent years, according to a government response tabled in the legislative assembly. The reply, addressing an unstarred question regarding the promotion of the apple industry, reveals an increase in both production and exports of horticultural produce.
Production and Export Figures Show Positive Trend:
The government’s response, tabled by Hon’ble MLA Mr. Farooq Ahmad Shah, details the production and export figures for the past three years:
- 2021-22: Production stood at 23.41 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) with 12.07 LMT exported outside the Union Territory (UT).
- 2022-23: Production increased to 27.21 LMT and exports rose to 17.48 LMT.
- 2023-24: Production remained strong at 26.43 LMT with exports reaching 18.57 LMT.
- 2024-25 (up to February): Production is projected at 26.46 LMT and exports at 13.12 LMT.
These figures, presented by the government, indicate a steady growth in the horticulture sector, a key pillar of the J&K economy.
Government Initiatives to Promote Kashmiri Apples:
In response to the question regarding steps taken to promote Kashmiri apples nationwide, the government outlined several initiatives:
- Expansion of Market Infrastructure: A network of 24 Fruit and Vegetable Markets has been established across the UT, with 13 more under development, to facilitate the distribution of apples to markets across the country.
- Modernization of Trading: 17 mandis have been integrated with the e-NAM (National Agricultural Market) portal, enabling electronic transactions for farmers and traders.
This initiative has resulted in a turnover of Rs 0.89 crore in 2021-22 with trade of about 1748.56 quintals.
Challenges Remain:
While the government’s data paints a positive picture, the horticulture industry in J&K continues to face challenges. These include weather fluctuations, transportation issues, and market competition. It remains to be seen how the government’s initiatives will address these long-term concerns and ensure sustainable growth for the sector.
Looking Ahead:
The government’s focus on expanding market access and modernizing trading practices is expected to further boost the horticulture industry in the coming years. The sector’s continued growth is crucial for the economic prosperity of Jammu & Kashmir and the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.
The horticulture sector in Jammu & Kashmir is witnessing a significant boost through the adoption of e-NAM (National Agricultural Market) and strategic buyer-seller meets, according to recent government data. The initiatives have led to increased trade volumes and substantial financial gains for local farmers.
E-NAM Platform Drives Trade Growth:
The government report highlights a dramatic increase in trade through the e-NAM platform. Key figures include:
- 2022-23: Trade of approximately 92,236.29 quintals (Qtls) resulted in a turnover of Rs. 32.72 crore.
- 2023-24: Trade surged to about 655,759.16 Qtls, generating a turnover of Rs. 416.08 crore.
- 2024-25 (to date): Trade has already reached 943,464.20 Qtls, with a turnover of Rs. 594.17 crore.
This exponential growth demonstrates the increasing popularity and effectiveness of the e-NAM platform among J&K’s farmers and traders. Furthermore, the report states that over 50,000 farmers and traders have registered on the platform, indicating widespread adoption.
Buyer-Seller Meets Connect Farmers to National Markets:
To further enhance market access for local produce, the horticulture department has been actively organizing buyer-seller meets across India. These events aim to connect J&K farmers directly with large-scale buyers.
In the past two years, buyer-seller meets have been conducted in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Jammu, and Srinagar. These initiatives have successfully:
- Increased promotion and awareness of J&K’s horticultural produce.
- Opened avenues for direct marketing, allowing growers to access new markets and secure better prices for their products.
Government’s Commitment to Farmer Empowerment:
The Minister Incharge Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments, signed the report, underscoring the government’s commitment to supporting the horticulture sector and empowering local farmers.
Impact and Future Outlook:
The combined impact of e-NAM and buyer-seller meets is evident in the substantial increase in trade volumes and farmer incomes. These initiatives are expected to further strengthen the horticulture sector in J&K, contributing to the region’s economic growth and the prosperity of its farming communities.