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An Economic Analysis of Area, Production and

Marketing of major Horticulture crops in Jammu and
Kashmir

1.
Alyas Ahmed, 2. Ashwani Katoch
Research scholars (Department of Commerce and Business Management) at
Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad

Abstract: In Jammu and Kashmir, Horticulture is presently the most animated and growth oriented sub
sector of agriculture. Increase in area, production, and marketing of horticulture products help in generating
the income of farmers and overall employment opportunities in the agricultural sector. Over the years, the
agriculturist and farmers cultivated the staple crops such as wheat, rice, barley, maize, fodder, etc. The
farmers have now shifted their interest to crops which help them to earn cash such as fruits, (fresh and dry)
vegetables, flowers, and other horticulture crops. All these cash crops are the significant wellspring of
increasing the farmers’ income and gross domestic product of the state. The development of horticulture
sector is essential for agriculture based state like Jammu and Kashmir because the staple crops such as
cereals alone cannot support the economic growth and development of state.
Key words: growth oriented, export, employment opportunities, economic growth and development
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

The economic condition of Jammu and Kashmir is mainly based on Agriculture which provides employment
and livelihood, to almost 70 percent of the populace. It is basically a mountainous state in which just about
30% of the announced area is cultivable land but still the Agriculture is the backbone to state’s monetary,
such as it contributes 27 percent to state domestic product.
Horticulture is the most important field of agriculture, it is the science as well the art of growing and
cultivating fruits, flowers, nuts, vegetables, herbs etc. It contributes massively to strengthen the financial and
economic the condition of State. It improves the way of life of individuals and makes them stand on their
own feet. Horticulture segment assumes an essential role in creating employment opportunities for people
who have arable land for cultivation. About 25-30% of state populace (i.e. about 7 lakh families) are either
directly (farming) or indirectly (transporting, trading, processing, etc.) related with this segment, as it is a
source of livelihood for 33 lakh people in state.
The State Jammu and Kashmir has great diversity in the geo-ecological condition which includes the
three regions namely Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. Jammu experiences a humid subtropical climate with
two major seasons, a mild hot summer and a very cold winter. On the other hand, the Kashmir valley or
region comprise of plains of sub-continent, has a moderate climate while Ladakh is a cold desert with
extreme temperatures. The state has appropriate climatic zones for producing temperate, subtropical and
tropical fruits throughout the year. The state is famous for producing the diversity of temperate (Kashmir)

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fruits includes apple, almond, pear, cherries, walnut, almond, saffron, apricot, etc. and subtropical (Jammu)
fruits such as Banana, Avocado, Lychees, Mango, Guavas, Pineapple, etc., besides the fruits medicinal
plants, flowers, mushroom and vegetables are also grown. The variety of horticulture products of the state
has earned world-wide fame because of its good quality and taste. The Saffron in Jammu and Kashmir is
unique in the world.
Now a day, Horticulture is one of the real segments among agribusiness and its united fields that
contribute vitally to the Gross State Domestic Production (GSDP).This segment contributes tremendously to
provide the monetary benefits to the state. At present the yearly turnover of this part is about Rs.3 billion,
while as this division gains outside trade of over Rs800 million. Around 20 percent of the arable place where
there is the state is under agricultural harvests.Among plant crops in the state, Apple (The King of
Temperate Fruits) involves the dominating position establishing about 48% of all out zone under organic
product crops. It is additionally significant as far as production as it contributes 17.26 lakh Million tons
(Mts) among all fruits. In all over India practically 75% of apple and 90% of pecan creation is derived
exclusively from state Jammu and Kashmir. (Economic survey 2017-18; J&K)

Impact of Horticulture in Jammu and Kashmir’ rural development

To the extent Jammu and Kashmir's provincial improvement is concerned Agriculture, particularly
horticulture is one of the most viable income generating sectors for the farmers. It is the key sector for
employment and income generation for populace residing in provincial areas. Most of the people live in
backward districts of the state and their bread and butter is wholly solely depends on farming. There are
about 7 lakh families involving around 33 lakh individuals who are legitimately or by implication related
with agriculture. Agriculture improvement is one of the pushed zones and various programs have been
actualized before, bringing about the age of higher wages in the country zones, along these lines improving
the personal satisfaction in towns.The state, being underdeveloped and having poor infrastructure and lack
of expertise to attract industries and to make employment for highly educated and skilled youth, it likely
prefers to invest judiciously in horticulture to generate income and employment, raise the output or
productive capacity of the economy. The Jammu and Kashmir being an agricultural state and having
agrarian economy, the horticulture is continuously emerging as a significant segment for socio-economic
progress of the people.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The current study is longitudinal, analytical and empirical in nature. The research is based on second
hand sources of data. The data mainly collected from official records of government, Fiscal surveys,
Statistical digests, Directorate of Horticulture planning and marketing department, J&K, Magazines,
journals, articles and other agencies which are associated to Department of Horticulture in the state. After
collection of data, it has been analyzed, arranged and presented through tables and eventually compared
through trend analysis.
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
There are few basic research objectives of this study which are as under-
1. To ascertain the decadal increase inarea under cultivation, production and export of important
horticulture produces in Jammu and Kashmir.
2. To analyze the contribution of horticulture in foreign exchange earnings.

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3. To evaluate the growth percentage over the study period in terms of area and production of main
cash crops in Jammu and Kashmir.

AREA UNDER MAJOR HORTICULTURE CROPS

The most of the population in state depend on Agriculture and its allied segments for their survival.
So, the estimated area under fruits cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir has improved from 315.09 k hect.in
2009-10 to 331.58 k hect. in 2018-19, showing an increase of 5.27%, but when the whole pattern of area
under horticulture throughout the decade is analyzed, it can be assessed that the area first increased up to the
year 2013-14 i.e., 369.49 thousand hectares, afterwards it drastically decreased to 331.58 thousand hectares
viewing a decrease of 10.26%.(Directorate of horticulture, J&K) . Table 1 shows the major fruit
cultivation area in Jammu and Kashmir. In 2018-19 it is assessed that the major area is covered by Apple
that is 49.6% (164.74 thousand hectares) out of total area of 331.58 thousand hectares. Among the fruits
walnut is second prominent fruit covering 25.56% in the total area in fruits. The Table also depicts the
overall pattern of increase and decrease in area over the decade. Area under fresh fruits was 209.67 thousand
hectares in 2009-10 and now it has been increased to 240.66 thousand hectares showing an increase of
14.78%. However, the pattern of increase is not followed in case of dry fruit which are showing decrease of
13.76% over the decade. From the following table the changes in area under major crops can be clearly
assessed.
Area under cultivation of major Horticulture Crops in Jammu & Kashmir from the Year 2009-10 to
2018-19(Area in 000’ hectares)
%age
s.n Major 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016- 2017- 2018- change
o horticultu 17 18 19 in area
re crops from
2009 to
2019
(A)Freshfruits:
1 Apple 138.19 141.71 154.72 157.28 160.87 163.43 161.77 162.97 164.41 164.74 19.21(+
)
2 Pear 12.54 125.36 13.21 13.88 14.80 150.06 14.47 14.53 14.24 13.94 11.16(+
)
3 Apricot 5.24 5.85 6.05 6.27 6.44 6.45 6.09 6.12 5.94 8.86 69.08(+
)
4 Peach 2.36 2.42 2.51 2.77 2.55 2.61 2.61 2.61 2.52 2.41
0.02(+)
5 Plum 4.08 4.39 4.34 4.62 4.76 4.87 4.27 4.03 4.12 4.08 0
6 Cherry 3.29 3.46 3.48 3.72 3.82 3.87 2.81 2.83 2.74 2.71 0.15(-
)
7 Citrus 12.75 13.43 13.65 13.88 14.22 14.53 14.39 14.55 2.55 2.56 79.29(-
)
8 Mango(g)st 5.65 6.78 7.29 7.46 12.91 7.99 12.66 12.73 12.95 13.07 131.3(+
)
9 Ber 7.83 7.85 7.85 7.90 7.86 7.88 5.38 5.37 4.75 4.75 39.33(-
)
10 Guava 2.04 2.28 2.34 2.37 2.44 2.47 2.45 2.48 2.33 2.34 14.17(+
)

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11 Other fresh 15.31 15.37 24.08 15.60 28.41 16.90 24.24 13.35 25.26 24.21 58.13(+
)
Total Fresh 209.67 217.11 240.18 236.78 259.13 246.07 241.18 241.62 241.85 240.66
fruits 14.78(+
)
(B)Dry fruits:
1 Walnut 87.28 89.78 83.61 93.64 95.60 96.39 88.90 89.33 85.62 84.77 2.87(-)
2 Almond 17.54 17.65 16.41 15.93 15.98 15.77 7.13 7.10 5.71 5.58 68.18(-)
3 Other dry .060 .057 2.57 .087 .088 .084 .046 .046 .054 .054 10(-)
Total dry 105.42 108.01 102.60 110.44 110.36 113.01 96.49 96.90 91.87 90.91 13.76(-)
A Grand 315.09 325.13 342.79 347.22 369.49 359.08 337.67 338.52 333.72 331.58 5.27(+)
+ total of
B area
(Source:-Directorate of Horticulture, J & K)

PRODUCTION OF MAJOR HORTICULTURE CROPS

The State Jammu and Kashmir is blessed with wide variety of fruits, from which major fruits grown
in the state are apple, pear, apricot, citrus, plum, cherry, mango, walnut, almond etc., Table 2 is showing the
production of major horticulture crops over the decade. The overall production of fruits is showing
anincreasing pattern during the study period excepting in the years 2011/12, 2012/13 and 2014/15. The
maximumdecrease in the production isseen in the year 2014/15 and thecause behind this was September
2014 floods in the state. Even though, the percentage of production for the year 2018-19 is estimates to
41.05% increase as compared to year 2009-10.
Among the major fruits, apple positions first with the estimated share of 77.92% followed by walnut
with the share of 11.55% in total production of fruits in year 2018-19. Apple and pear in fresh fruits are
showing an increase in production over the decade by 37.09% and 79.3% respectively.
Among the dry fruits, the production of walnut has increased by 69.32% from 2009-10 to 2018-19,
while the production of almond has slightly decreased. During the study it has been assessed that Apple and
Walnut contributes a major share of total fruits production in the state. These fruits have a very high export
potential and are very important source of foreign exchange earnings.

Table 2 Production under major Horticulture Crops in Jammu & Kashmir from the Year 2009-10 to
2018-19(Production in 000’ Metric tons)
S.no Major
horticultur 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19
e crops
(A) Fresh fruits:
1 Apple 1372.97 1852.41 1756.19 1348.14 1647.69 1170.31 1966.41 1726.83 1882.77 1882.31
2 Pear 47.98 52.50 47.82 54.84 73.52 59.72 105.93 88.32 89.45 86.03
3 Apricot 15.60 15.57 10.31 14.50 14.67 15.38 14.14 15.59 21.13 20.45
4 Peach 4.26 4.78 3.91 4.85 7.51 5.69 5.95 6.22 5.47 5.22
5 Plum 7.68 8.60 8.11 8.68 10.81 7.93 11.65 10.11 11.48 11.86
6 Cherry 10.91 11.44 11.46 11.12 10.24 9.53 10.24 8.28 11.28 11.78
7 Citrus 19.06 18.98 19.73 20.81 22.57 21.19 33.96 34.12 7.47 7.33
8 Mango(g) st 3.81 11.57 8.09 8.20 6.99 7.64 23.85 24.15 30.34 30.47
9 Ber 15.91 12.75 13.07 13.20 13.43 13.14 10.75 10.77 10.29 10.26

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10 Guava 7.23 5.44 5.61 5.69 5.78 5.10 8.53 9.15 7.76 7.94
11 Other fresh 29.22 34.11 67.85 24.42 24.29 28.29 26.13 27.70 63.69 51.88
Total Fresh fruits: 1534.68 2045.55 1949.17 1534.59 1837.50 1344.55 2217.58 1959.35 2141.18 2125.58
(B) Dry fruits:
1 Walnut 165.02 163.74 208.73 209.05 220.59 181.44 266.13 266.28 575.44 279.42
2 Almond 12.51 12.50 3.25 8.21 11.82 16.53 7.06 6.36 13.11 10.32
3 Other dry .019 .185 0 .290 0.01 .143 3.22 2.98 .082 .09
Total dry 177.72 176.43 211.19 217.54 232.42 198.12 276.41 275.62 288.64 289.83
A+ Grand total 1712.40 2221.99 2161.16 1742.14 2069.92 1542.67 2493.99 2234.98 2429.82 2415.41
B of area
(Source:-Directorate of Horticulture, J & K)

EXPORT POTENTIAL OF MAIN FRUITS

Horticulture sector as a core sector of agriculture contributes a lot in strengthening the economic
condition of Jammu and Kashmir. In table 3 the production and export potential outside the state is given.
The figures show that there is a huge demand for fruits of J&K. In figures the export of fruits occupies a
significant place in generating the income for state. The export of total fruits shown a substantial increase
over the period of study, in 2010-11 the export of total major fruits was 1112.75 mts. and in 2017 -18
surveys it is estimated 1978.17 mts., showing an increase of 77.78%.
During 2017-18, the total share of export to total production is 81% which was only 50% in 2010-11.
The state has monopoly in unique quality of fresh and dry fruits like walnut, almond, cherry, etc. The total
export of fruit is increasing every year from Jammu and Kashmir, especially the export of apple and walnut,
but contribution of fresh fruits in total exports is more than that of dry fruits.

Table 3: Production and export of fruit outside the state from 2010-11 to 2017-18
(lakh metric tons)

S.no Year Production in thousand metric Export in thousand metric tons

tons
Fresh Dry Total Fresh Dry Total
1 2010-11 2045.55 176.43 2221.99 1087.63 25.12 1112.75
2 2011-12 1949.17 211.19 2161.16 1053.83 27.86 1081.69
3 2012-13 1534.59 217.54 1742.14 1176.22 25.61 1201.83
4 2013-14 1837.50 231.42 2069.92 1192.01 11.10 1203.11
5 2014-15 1344.55 198.12 1542.67 1254.94 16.94 1271.90
6 2015-16 2217.58 276.41 2493.99 1458.22 21.52 1479.74
7 2016-17 1959.35 275.98 2429.82 1288.22 17.57 1305.79
8 2017-18 2141.18 288.64 2415.41 1955.76 22.41 1978.17

Source: Department of Horticulture Planning and Management (J&K)

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FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS
Horticulture is one of the most animated and growth oriented sector of state economy. It is a
significant source of export outside the country which results in foreign exchange earnings. As Jammu and
Kashmir has the monopoly in unique fruits like walnut and almonds, so there is huge demand of these dry
fruits not only in India but also in foreign countries. The export and foreign exchange earning of dry fruits
has been decreasing for the few years as shown in the table 4.The foreign exchange earning first increased
up to the year 2013-14 but after that it continuously declined. The main reason behind the reduction of
export share may be floods caused in state in 2014. Moreover, there is an increase in the demand of dry
fruits not only outside the state, but also within the state. That’s why there is a declining trend in the share of
dry fruits for export and foreign exchange earnings

Table 4: Foreign Exchange Earned through Exports from 2010-11 to 2016-17

Quantity exported outside the Foreign Exchange
S.no Year country(metric tons) earned(rupees in crores)
Walnut Almond Total Walnut Almond Total
1 2010-11 3359 81.29 3440.29 87.89 1.44 89.33
2 2011-12 4463 54.47 4517.47 177.91 1.09 179.00
3 2012-13 5295 181.00 5476.00 199.82 5.90 205.72
4 2013-14 5274 NA 5274.00 344.90 NA 344.90
5 2014-15 1945 327.94 2272.94 99.21 16.11 115.32
6 2015-16 3029 117.04 3146.04 12.45 6.42 18.87
7 2016-17 2187 214.91 2401.91 55.18 8.28 63.46
Source: Economic survey 2016-17(J&K)

FINDINGS OF THE STUDY

The present study has attempted to accomplish its primary targets of the investigation, and it found
that:-
1. The area under cultivation and output of major horticulture produces in state are seen in increasing
order throughout the study.
2. The area under main horticulture produces has improved from 315.09 k hect. in 2009-10 to 331.58
k hect. in 2018-19.
3. Similarly, the production of the crops has also increased from 1712.40 thousand metric tons in
2009-10 to 2415.41 thousand metric tons in 2018-19.
4. The production and export of major crops in the state has shown an increasing trend during the
study period except in the year 2012-13 and 2014-15.
5. The maximumdecrease in the production and export could be ascertained in 2014-15 and the
reason behind that was the natural disaster caused by floods.
6. Over the years, it is assessed that the Apple has occupied the largest area under cultivation and
production among all the major horticulture crops in the State.
7. Among the dry fruit, walnut and almond have a very high export potential, Jammu and Kashmir is
the largest producer as well as exporter of dry fruits, and hence it attracts foreign exchange earnings for the
whole country.

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CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTIONS
The present study reveals that cultivation is raised as one of the real segment among agribusiness and
its united fields that contributes fundamentally to the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).This segment
contributes hugely to improve the monetary position of Jammu and Kashmir. At present, the yearly turnover
of this area is almost Rs.3 billion, while as this segment acquires remote trade of over Rs.800 million.
Around 25-35 percent of state populace is either direct or in an indirect way connected with this part for
their vocation.The farmers have now shifted their practice of cultivation from staple harvests to cash
harvests due to the higher returns on horticulture production.
However, throughout the research period it is assessed that area under cultivation and production of
horticulture crops is increasing but at a decreasing rate. For the growth prospect of this segment, state
agriculture authorities need to prepare a proper vision and mission on horticulture. For sustaining
employment in the horticulture segment proper marketing and advertisingconveniencesought to be provided
to the cultivators, growing of supplementary crops should be encouraged. Free trade zones and free trading
areas should be established in the state, with the goal that the horticulture crops can be grown and exported
freely. The state and central government ought to give monetary motivations and appropriations to the
ranchers and urge them to develop agriculture crops for self-utilization as well as for business purposes.
Government ought to support various projects and plans in the field of agriculture like National Horticulture
Mission (NHM), Technology mission for Post-Harvest Management (PHM), Diversification towards High
Value Agriculture, Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) etc., so that the production, productivity, and
financial profits from horticulture crops can be enhanced. Apart from these schemes, the government should
establish training and management centers at block level which can provide proper information, incentives,
subsidies, seeds and quality fertilizers to cultivators. Further the trade barriers should also be reduced so that
the farmers can be encouraged to export their production outside the state.
Government need to focus more on research and development activities in the horticulture.
Agricultural universities like SKUASTshould take lead role in providing technical assistance to the
horticulture crop cultivators, So that farmers will be able to increase the area and production of vegetationin
the state. Production of vegetation can also be enhanced by scientific production technology. Moreover,
organic farming also helps to improve the quality of fresh and dry fruits. State should permit to establish
quality control laboratories like soil testing and seed testing laboratories, which would ensure the cultivators
that their commodity to export can get good foreign exchange earnings.

REFERENCES
[1] Birthal P.S., Joshi P.K., Roy D. and Throat A. (2007), Diversification of Indian Agriculture towards high
value crops , role of small holders; IFPRI , Discussion Paper 00727.
[2] Bazaz H. N. and Ul Haq I.H. (2013), Crop Diversification in Jammu and Kashmir: Pace, Pattern and
Determinants, IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science (IOSR-JHSS) Vol. 11, issue 5.
[3] Joshi P.K., Gulati A., Brithal P. and Tewari L. (2004), Agriculture Diversification in South Asia; Patter,
Determinants and Policy Implications, Economics and Political Weekly 39(24).
[4] Mehta P.K. (2009), Micro-level Decision for Area Shift in Favor Of High Value Crops : A case of
Horticultural Crops, Agricultural Economics Review, Vol.22.
[5] Misra S. K. and Puri V.K. (2011), Indian Economy- Its Development and Experience; Himalaya publishing
house Pvt. Ltd.

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[6] Pandit, R.A., Sharma, S. (2015). Dwindling of almonds in Kashmir Valley: A Case Study of district Pulwama,
International Journal of Educational Research and Technology, 6(1):109-20.
[7] Rather, N.A., Reshi, A.R., Mir, M.M. (2013). An Analytical study on production and Export of fresh and dry
fruit in Jammu and Kashmir, International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, 3(2).
[8] Vyas V.S. (1996), Diversification in agriculture: concept, rationale and approaches. Indian Journal of
Agricultural Economics 51(4)

Reports
Annual Report (2016-17), MARD
Digest of Statistics, 2013-14 and 2016-17 by DES
Economic survey of government of J&K (2017 new version) by DES
Economic survey of government of J&K, (2014-15 vol. 1) by DES.
Socio-Economic Profile of J&K (2007-08) by Govt. of J&K.

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