A rapid expansion of High-Density Plantation (HDP) is driving a structural shift in Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture sector, boosting productivity, modernising orchards and strengthening infrastructure, according to a report by NITI Aayog.
Describing horticulture as a cornerstone of the region’s economy, the report notes that the sector generates around ₹10,000 crore annually and supports nearly 35 lakh people. With favourable climatic conditions, Jammu and Kashmir continues to be recognised as a major fruit-producing region.
At the centre of the transformation is the growing adoption of HDP techniques. “HDP adoption has surged, with 32.49 lakh plants distributed in 2023–24, compared to 6.41 lakh in 2021–22,” the report states, highlighting a sharp scaling up of modern cultivation practices alongside efforts to rejuvenate ageing orchards and improve access to quality planting material.
The shift is also reflected in production trends. The area under horticulture expanded modestly from 3.35 lakh hectares in 2020–21 to 3.45 lakh hectares in 2023–24, while output rose from 22.30 lakh tonnes to a peak of 27.22 lakh tonnes in 2022–23 before easing slightly to 26.43 lakh tonnes in 2023–24, indicating improved productivity.
