JULY 05: Today, a significant initiative to strengthen horticulture in Jammu and Kashmir took shape at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir (SKUAST-K) in Srinagar. During a visit to the university campus, officials and agricultural experts reviewed advanced apple varieties and interacted with students preparing to become the next generation of agricultural scientists.
The visit was aimed at assessing the progress in horticulture research and development, with a particular focus on apples — one of the region’s most critical crops. Detailed discussions were held with SKUAST-K scholars about various horticultural products and the scope of innovation in improving crop quality, productivity, and market value.
A key highlight of the visit was the interaction with local apple and saffron growers. Farmers shared their on-ground experiences, voiced concerns about challenges in production, disease management, and planting material quality. They also offered suggestions to improve the sustainability and profitability of horticulture in the region.
In a major development, it was announced that the Government of India will establish a Clean Plant Centre in Jammu and Kashmir. The Centre will focus on ensuring high-quality, disease-free planting material for farmers. This facility is expected to significantly enhance the productivity of major horticulture crops such as apples, saffron, walnuts, and berries.
The establishment of the Clean Plant Centre is part of a broader plan to support scientific interventions in horticulture and empower farmers with modern tools and technologies. The Centre will also facilitate research, certification, and distribution of healthy plant material, reducing farmers’ dependency on unverified sources and thereby improving crop yields and resilience.
This initiative aligns with the government’s vision to make Jammu and Kashmir a leading horticulture hub in the country. By combining advanced agricultural research with farmer feedback and support systems, the administration aims to create a sustainable and profitable ecosystem for horticulture.
The proposed reforms are expected to transform the horticulture sector, promote exports, and ensure long-term growth for farming communities across the Union Territory.
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