Srinagar, July 2, KNT: Despite being the largest contributor to Jammu and Kashmir’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) after government services, the horticulture sector continues to receive far less attention and support than the much-publicised tourism industry. Experts in the valley are increasingly voicing concern that while tourism is showcased as the prime source of income for locals, it is in fact horticulture that forms the economic backbone for a majority of rural households in Kashmir.
According to official data, horticulture contributes over 8% to the region’s GDP, significantly higher than the tourism sector, which fluctuates seasonally and remains vulnerable to political instability and climate vagaries. Kashmir’s horticulture, spread over more than 3.5 lakh hectares, supports the livelihood of over 35 lakh people, more than one-fourth of the population.
Horticulture experts say this vital sector is being systematically sidelined in policy priorities and public perception. “Tourism is important, no doubt. But it is horticulture that sustains families across villages and towns throughout the year,” said Dr. Nazir Ahmad, an agroeconomist based in Sopore. “Unfortunately, the government’s narrative has disproportionately highlighted tourism, leaving the horticulture sector underfunded, under-researched, and vulnerable.”
Kashmir is world-renowned for its apples, with the valley producing over 75% of India’s total apple output. Varieties such as Red Delicious, Kulu Delicious, and Ambri are in high demand across domestic and international markets. Besides apples, walnuts, almonds, cherries, apricots, and pears also bring significant revenue. The region’s saffron, cultivated in Pampore and parts of Pulwama, is among the finest globally and commands premium prices.
Yet despite its scale and economic value, the sector grapples with chronic challenges: inadequate cold storage infrastructure, lack of market linkages, shrinking land holdings, and erratic weather patterns exacerbated by climate change. Many orchardists have also raised concerns about the entry of non-local fruit into Kashmir’s markets at lower prices, further affecting local income.
Growers and experts alike are urging the administration to adopt a more balanced and long-term development strategy. “Kashmir’s economy cannot thrive on tourism alone. We need sustainable investment in horticulture, research, infrastructure, processing units, and export channels,” said Bashir Ahmad Dar, a veteran fruit grower from Shopian.
With rural youth slowly shifting away from traditional farming due to lack of incentives, stakeholders warn that ignoring horticulture could have severe implications for employment and food security. Calls are growing for policymakers to shift the spotlight and acknowledge the true economic engine of Jammu and Kashmir.
“If supported effectively, horticulture not only promises prosperity for lakhs of families but also offers resilience against the uncertainties that tourism often faces in a region like Kashmir,” an orchardist told KNT.
