Horticulture: Jammu and Kashmir’s Economic Anchor
Srinagar- Jammu and Kashmir’s economy heavily relies on horticulture, contributing nearly Rs 10,000 crore annually and supporting around 35 lakh livelihoods. This sector directly and indirectly benefits about seven lakh families, showcasing its vital role in the region’s economic landscape.
The cultivation area for major horticulture crops has seen growth, with an increase from 3.44 lakh hectares in 2022–23 to 3.47 lakh hectares in 2025–26 (up to November 2025). Fruit production has also shown a slight rise during the same period, from 27.22 lakh metric tonnes to 27.35 lakh metric tonnes. The overall horticulture output, encompassing fresh and dry fruits, has experienced a significant 34.2 percent increase from 20.06 lakh MT in 2018–19 to 26.92 lakh MT in 2024–25.
The implementation of High-Density Plantation (HDP) has emerged as a key driver for growth in the horticulture sector. In 2024–25, over 29.13 lakh high-density plants were distributed, and a cumulative 20,034 hectares have been transformed into high and medium density orchards since the initiation of the program.
Furthermore, there has been an expansion in post-harvest infrastructure. The Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage capacity has increased from 2.10 lakh MT in 2022–23 to 2.92 lakh MT, with projections to reach 3.07 lakh MT, although officials suggest a requirement of around 6 lakh MT.
The integration of digital markets through the e-NAM platform has facilitated trade amounting to Rs 634.09 crore, involving 28.26 lakh quintals of produce up to November 2025.
Fruit exports, encompassing both fresh and dry varieties, reached 8.70 lakh MT in 2025–26 (up to November), generating revenue of Rs 3,809.97 crore. Notably, almond and walnut exports alone contributed Rs 602.53 crore during 2024–25.
Under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), an allocation of Rs 1,028.21 crore has been made for horticulture projects aimed at enhancing productivity and expanding high-density orchards.
The floriculture sector plays a complementary role in supporting tourism and commercial activities. The Floriculture Department oversees 278 parks and gardens across 10,628 kanals, which include iconic locations like the Tulip Garden and Mughal Gardens. Recently, a new chrysanthemum garden, Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood, was opened to visitors in October 2025.
Commercial floriculture now spans 356 hectares with nearly 11,900 registered growers, of which 2,270 are actively engaged. The sector has generated an income of Rs 42.92 crore during 2025–26 (up to November). Revenue from garden entry tickets, videography permits, and plant sales has shown a significant increase from Rs 6.70 crore in 2021–22 to Rs 23.71 crore in 2024–25, underscoring the expanding economic impact of floriculture in the Union Territory.
