Srinagar, Aug 24 (KNO): High-density apple cultivation is gradually transforming the traditional horticulture landscape of Kashmir, with growers reporting higher productivity, improved fruit quality and better returns compared to conventional orchard systems, as prices of high-density apples have touched nearly Rs 200 per kilogram in some markets this season.
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.
Mohammad Ashraf Bhat, a grower from Pulwama, told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that traditional apple trees require considerable space and take several years before reaching full production capacity, whereas in high-density orchards plants are smaller, fruiting begins earlier and productivity is much higher, making the difference in returns clearly visible when quality apples fetch Rs 150 to Rs 200 per kilogram. He added that orchard management is also comparatively easier in modern plantations, as pruning, spraying and harvesting can be carried out more systematically because the trees are smaller and arranged in an organised manner.
Mohammad Yousuf Reshie, a grower from Shopian, said high-density plantations could prove particularly beneficial for farmers with small landholdings, as they allow many more plants to be grown on the same piece of land, giving small farmers an opportunity to produce a sizeable quantity of fruit. “The advantage becomes more evident during marketing, as high-density orchards can produce a higher volume of commercially desirable fruit, and if the market remains favourable, growers can earn significantly better returns,” he said.
The Jammu and Kashmir government has been encouraging the transition towards high-density horticulture as part of efforts to increase productivity, modernise the apple industry and improve farmers' incomes. It has been extending support towards planting material, infrastructure and other components required for establishing high-density plantations to reduce the initial financial burden on farmers.
Officials and horticulture experts have stressed that government assistance, coupled with proper technical guidance, can help growers adopt modern systems while improving overall productivity.
However, growers acknowledge that high-density cultivation requires greater investment and more intensive management during the initial stages.
Bhat said farmers need proper rootstock, irrigation, pruning, fertigation and disease management, and without scientific management the expected returns may not be achieved.
Experts also point out that the system requires regular pruning, irrigation, fertilisation and plant-protection measures. Although establishment costs are higher than those of traditional orchards, the higher productivity, earlier fruiting and improved quality can help farmers recover the investment over time, they said.
Reshie said the government's continued support would be important for encouraging more growers to make the transition. “Farmers need quality planting material, technical guidance and financial support during the initial years, and if these facilities are provided properly, more growers can shift to high-density cultivation and improve their income,” he said.
Despite the growing adoption of modern plantations, traditional orchards continue to occupy an important place in Kashmir's horticulture economy, with growers believing that modernisation should complement rather than completely replace the existing orchard system—(KNO)