Jammu, Feb 05 (KNO): The horticulture and floriculture sectors continue to emerge as key pillars of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, generating around Rs 10,000 crore annually and supporting the livelihoods of nearly 35 lakh people, according to the Economic Survey 2025-26.
Horticulture production in the Union Territory has steadily increased, with the area under major crops rising from 3.44 lakh hectares in 2022-23 to 3.47 lakh hectares in 2025-26 (up to November). Overall production of fresh and dry fruits increased by about 34.2 per cent, from 20.06 lakh metric tonnes in 2018-19 to 26.92 lakh metric tonnes in 2024-25.
The survey, accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), highlights the success of High-Density Plantation (HDP) initiatives, with 29.13 lakh high-density plants distributed in 2024-25 and a cumulative 20,034.44 hectares brought under high and medium-density plantations since inception.
Post-harvest and marketing infrastructure has been strengthened, with Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage expanding from 2.10 lakh MT in 2022-23 to 2.92 lakh MT, expected to reach 3.07 lakh MT against a requirement of 6.00 lakh MT.
Market integration through the e-National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) has facilitated trade worth Rs 634.09 crore for 28.26 lakh quintals up to November 2025.
Fruit exports, including fresh and dry produce, reached 8.70 lakh MT during 2025-26 (up to November), generating revenue of Rs 3,809.97 crore. Almond and walnut exports accounted for Rs 602.53 crore in 2024-25.
Under the Horticulture and Allied Development Programme (HADP), Rs 1,028.21 crore has been allocated to enhance productivity and expand high-density orchards substantially by 2047.
Honey production also rose sharply, from 17,701 quintals in 2023-24 to 26,301 quintals in 2024-25, while the area under High-Yield Variety (HYV) seeds increased by 12.5 per cent from 11.04 lakh hectares to 12.42 lakh hectares.
The floriculture sector complements horticulture by boosting tourism and commercial flower production. The Union Territory currently maintains 278 parks and gardens, covering 10,628.30 kanals, including the Tulip Garden, Mughal Gardens, and the newly opened Chrysanthemum Garden “Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood,” which aims to promote autumn tourism.
Commercial floriculture spans 356.41 hectares with 11,889 registered growers, generating Rs 42.92 crore in 2025-26 (up to November).
Revenue from gardens through entry tickets, videography, and plant sales increased from Rs 6.70 crore in 2021-22 to Rs 23.71 crore in 2024-25, reflecting the growing economic and tourism significance of the sector in Jammu and Kashmir—(KNO)