Agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir: Cultivating Hope in the Himalayan Highlands

Agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir has long been the backbone of the region’s economy, livelihood, and cultural identity. From the terraced saffron fields of Pampore to the apple orchards of Sopore and the wheat farms of Kotli, agriculture is not merely an economic activity — it is a way of life for millions across this divided Himalayan landscape.

The agricultural sector spans both Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, as well as Pakistani-administered Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). Despite administrative divisions and geopolitical tensions, these regions share similar topographies and climatic conditions that influence their agricultural practices.

This editorial takes a comprehensive look at agriculture across all parts of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting its potential, pressing challenges, and the innovations shaping its future.

Agro-Climatic Diversity: From Valleys to High Plateaus

Jammu and Kashmir is a land of striking agro-climatic diversity, shaped by its varied geography that stretches from the warm subtropical plains of Jammu to the temperate valley of Kashmir, and further into the cold deserts and rugged highlands of Ladakh and Gilgit-Baltistan. This variation in altitude, temperature, and precipitation creates multiple ecological zones, each supporting a unique set of crops and agricultural practices.

Jammu Region

Located in the southernmost part of the territory, the Jammu region enjoys a subtropical climate, making it ideal for the cultivation of both food and fruit crops. Major crops include wheat, maize, and rice, which are staples in the region. Additionally, the fertile plains support a thriving horticulture sector, producing mangoes, citrus fruits, and guavas. The region’s longer growing season and warmer temperatures also allow for double cropping in many areas.

Kashmir Valley

The Kashmir Valley, known for its temperate climate and rich alluvial soil, is one of the most agriculturally productive regions in South Asia. It is world-famous for its apple orchards, which are a major export product. Other important crops include saffron, grown in the Pampore area — one of the few places in the world where saffron is cultivated — as well as walnuts, cherries, and vegetables like turnips, spinach, and carrots. Paddy fields dominate the landscape, making rice the staple food of the valley.

Ladakh

Lying beyond the great Himalayan range, Ladakh is a high-altitude cold desert characterized by extreme temperatures and minimal rainfall. Despite the harsh conditions, agriculture persists through traditional methods and modern innovations like greenhouse farming. Key crops include barley, a staple of the Ladakhi diet, as well as peas, potatoes, and some hardy vegetables cultivated in summer months or under controlled greenhouse environments.

Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK)

Azad Kashmir features a mix of mid-altitude hills and valleys with moderate climatic conditions suitable for both crop cultivation and horticulture. Maize and wheat are the principal cereal crops grown here. The region is also noted for its fruit production, especially pears, plums, and apricots, which grow well in the mountain valleys and contribute to local diets and rural incomes.

Gilgit-Baltistan

Situated at even higher altitudes than Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan has a short growing season but fertile river valleys. The region is famous for its organic fruit production, especially apricots, apples, and almonds. Locals cultivate high-altitude barley and other hardy crops suited to the cool climate. Traditional irrigation systems (known as kuls) help channel glacier meltwater to terraced fields.

Major Crops and Specialties

1. Apple Cultivation (Kashmir Valley & Gilgit-Baltistan)

Kashmir is often dubbed the “Apple Bowl of South Asia.” In the 2023–24 season, the region produced approximately 1.86 million metric tons of apples, exporting 1.31 million metric tons . Popular varieties include Red Delicious, Kulu Delicious, and the indigenous Ambri. Despite a decline from previous years, apple cultivation remains a cornerstone of the local economy.freshplaza.com+1freshplaza.com+1

In Gilgit-Baltistan, apples are renowned for their organic quality and are cultivated without synthetic fertilizers, enhancing their appeal in both domestic and international markets.

2. Saffron (Pampore, Pulwama District)

Kashmiri saffron, primarily grown in Pampore, is among the most expensive and sought-after spices globally. However, climate change and urbanization have significantly impacted its production. Yields have plummeted from 8 metric tons in 2010–11 to 2.6 metric tons in 2023–24, marking a 67.5% decline.

To combat these challenges, local scientists have initiated indoor saffron cultivation using controlled environments, which have shown promising results in mitigating climate-related risks.

3. Walnuts and Almonds (Kashmir & Azad Jammu and Kashmir)

Both sides of the Line of Control produce high-quality walnuts and almonds. In Kashmir, the traditional hand-cracked walnut industry supports thousands of families. In Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), regions like the Neelum Valley are renowned for their apricots and nuts, contributing significantly to local economies.

4. Maize and Wheat (Jammu & AJK)

In both Indian and Pakistani-administered Jammu regions, maize and wheat remain staple crops. These cereals are vital for food security and are cultivated in both irrigated and rain-fed areas. The diverse topography allows for varied agricultural practices, ensuring a steady supply of these essential grains.

5. Vegetables and Floriculture

Districts like Budgam and Baramulla in Indian-administered Kashmir, along with Bagh and Poonch in AJK, support extensive vegetable farming. Common crops include spinach, carrots, and turnips. Additionally, floriculture is gaining traction, with the cultivation of tulips, lilies, and roses becoming increasingly popular as commercial enterprises.

Livestock and Allied Activities

Livestock farming is integral to the agrarian economy of Jammu and Kashmir, providing sustenance, employment, and cultural identity across its diverse regions. From the verdant valleys to the high-altitude plateaus, animal husbandry practices vary, reflecting the unique agro-climatic conditions and traditional knowledge systems.

Sheep and Goat Rearing

Jammu and Kashmir boasts a significant population of sheep and goats, with approximately 3.5 million sheep and 2.5 million goats, according to the 20th Livestock Census. Sheep rearing is particularly prominent, contributing around 21,370 metric tons of mutton annually, which accounts for 3.15% of India’s total mutton production. However, local production meets only 57% of the region’s mutton demand, necessitating imports from other states like Rajasthan to bridge the gap.

The region is also renowned for its wool production, yielding approximately 3,275 metric tons annually. Despite this, the wool industry faces challenges such as declining demand and the need for modernization.

To enhance the sector, the government has initiated the Integrated Sheep Development Scheme, aiming to establish new sheep and goat units, improve breeding practices, and provide financial assistance to farmers. Collaborations with international partners, such as New Zealand, are underway to introduce advanced technologies and high-yield breeds.

Pashmina and Specialty Breeds

In the high-altitude regions of Ladakh, the Changthangi or Pashmina goat is reared by the nomadic Changpa community. These goats produce the world-famous Pashmina wool, a fine cashmere fiber that is a significant export product, generating over $8 million annually for the local economy. en.wikipedia.org

Efforts are being made to preserve and enhance these indigenous breeds through selective breeding programs and scientific interventions, including cloning and genetic research.

Dairy Farming

Dairy farming is a vital component of the rural economy, with the region producing approximately 2.8 million metric tons of milk annually. The average daily milk yield per animal stands at 5.64 kg for crossbred cows, 2.59 kg for local cows, and 4.89 kg for buffaloes.

Traditional dairy products such as milk, butter, and ghee are staples in the local diet. Additionally, Kalari cheese, a traditional ripened cheese made from cow’s or goat’s milk, is a specialty of the Udhampur district in Jammu. Originating from the nomadic Gujjar community, Kalari is known for its unique texture and flavor.

The government has launched the Integrated Dairy Development Scheme (IDDS) to modernize the dairy sector, focusing on establishing new dairy units, providing subsidies for equipment, and enhancing milk processing facilities.

Poultry Farming

Poultry farming has witnessed significant growth in Jammu and Kashmir, transitioning from traditional backyard setups to commercial enterprises. The sector currently employs around 10,000 individuals directly, with numerous others engaged indirectly.

Despite this growth, the region remains dependent on imports for poultry products, leading to substantial capital outflow. To address this, the government has approved a roadmap aiming to increase the poultry sector’s gross output from ₹709 crore to ₹1,982 crore annually. This initiative includes establishing 420 new enterprises and creating over 4,000 jobs, focusing on self-sufficiency and reducing dependency on external sources.

Furthermore, the government plans to set up 35,000 backyard poultry units, providing subsidies and support to local entrepreneurs, thereby promoting sustainable development in the sector.

Challenges Facing the Agricultural Sector

Agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir, while rich in potential, grapples with a multitude of challenges that hinder its growth and sustainability:

1. Climate Change and Environmental Stress

The region is witnessing significant climatic shifts, including erratic rainfall patterns, unseasonal snowfalls, and rising temperatures. These changes have led to early flowering and fruiting in apple orchards, reducing fruit quality and increasing susceptibility to frost damage. Rice cultivation is also under threat due to water stress from decreasing glacial meltwater.

2. Inadequate Irrigation Infrastructure

Despite abundant water resources, approximately 60% of agriculture in the region relies on rain-fed irrigation. The lack of efficient irrigation systems makes crops vulnerable to droughts and inconsistent water supply, particularly as glaciers retreat and river flows diminish .

3. Land Fragmentation and Urbanization

The average landholding size has decreased significantly, making mechanization and modern farming practices challenging. Additionally, unplanned urban expansion has led to the conversion of fertile agricultural lands into residential and commercial areas, threatening food security .drishtiias.comdailyexcelsior.com

4. Post-Harvest Losses and Market Access

Inadequate storage and processing facilities result in substantial post-harvest losses, especially for perishable commodities. Furthermore, disruptions in transportation and market access due to conflict and curfews often prevent farmers from selling their produce timely, leading to financial losses .dailygoodmorningkashmir.com

5. Dependency on Traditional Methods and Youth Disengagement

Limited adoption of modern farming technologies and practices persists, partly due to a lack of awareness and training. Moreover, younger generations are increasingly moving away from agriculture, perceiving it as less lucrative compared to other sectors .

Innovations and Government Initiatives

To address these challenges, both Indian and Pakistani-administered regions have implemented various initiatives:

🇮🇳 Indian-administered Regions

High-Density Plantation Schemes: Introduction of high-density apple and cherry orchards that bear fruit earlier and are more resilient to climatic variations.
Financial Support: Provision of Kisan Credit Cards and subsidies for agricultural machinery to ease financial burdens on farmers .
Infrastructure Development: Establishment of cold storage and controlled atmosphere warehouses in Kashmir to reduce post-harvest losses.
Mission Organic Development Initiative: Promotion of organic farming practices in Ladakh to enhance sustainability and access to premium markets.

🇵🇰 Pakistani-administered Regions

Agricultural Extension Services: Implementation of programs in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to educate farmers on modern practices.
Research Institutes: Focus on high-altitude farming research in Gilgit-Baltistan to develop suitable crop varieties.
Tunnel Farming: Adoption of greenhouse techniques to extend growing seasons in harsh climates.
Donor-Funded Projects: Initiatives by organizations like IFAD and the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) to improve rural livelihoods through sustainable agricultural practices .

Future Outlook: Toward Sustainable Himalayan Agriculture

Ensuring the long-term viability of agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir requires a multifaceted approach:

1. Promoting Agro-Tourism and Farm Stays

Encouraging agro-tourism can provide farmers with additional income streams and promote cultural exchange.

2. Digital Marketplaces and Direct-to-Consumer Sales

Leveraging digital platforms can help farmers access broader markets, ensuring better prices and reducing dependency on intermediaries.

3. Water Harvesting and Micro-Irrigation

Implementing rainwater harvesting systems and micro-irrigation techniques can optimize water use, crucial in the face of decreasing water availability.

4. Cross-Border Collaboration in Climate Resilience

Collaborative efforts between Indian and Pakistani-administered regions can facilitate the sharing of best practices and resources to combat climate change effects.

5. Vocational Training for Youth in Agri-Tech and Food Processing

Providing specialized training can attract younger generations to agriculture, equipping them with skills in modern technologies and value-added processing.

Cultivating Peace Through the Soil

Agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir transcends economic activity; it embodies the region’s cultural heritage and resilience. From the saffron fields of Pampore to the apple orchards of Sopore and the barley terraces of Skardu, farming is a testament to the enduring spirit of its people. By investing in sustainable practices, embracing innovation, and fostering political stability, the region can transform its agricultural sector into a beacon of prosperity and peace in South Asia.