News Topic:Horticulture

Kashmir's cold storage facilities are fully booked as apple growers hope for better prices, while operators stress proper grading to prevent storage losses.

Kashmir's Horticulture Department and Northern Railway are exploring concessional freight rates to move fruit consignments by train using available return cargo capacity.

Kashmir growers are shifting to high-density apple farming for better yields and returns, with a 50% subsidy available to eligible farmers under a government scheme.

A NITI Aayog roadmap finds apple productivity declining and almond cultivation shrinking in J&K, even as overall fruit production has grown fivefold since 1980.

Growers from Pulwama and Shopian said modern plantations have enabled them to make better use of limited land while reducing the waiting period for substantial returns.

Kulgam's Horticulture Department is providing anti-hail nets to orchardists at 50% subsidy, with assistance so far crossing ₹1.30 lakh to protect fruit crops.

Jammu and Kashmir has recorded its seventh consecutive winter rainfall deficit, with the December 2025–February 2026 period ending 65 per cent below normal.

As dawn broke in Kashmir, Mr Gaurav Tyagi with an unwavering resolve took steady strides southward, echoing a purpose that transcends borders, languages, and beliefs.