SRINAGAR: The Economic Survey 2025–26 has described horticulture as a substantial contributor to the Union Territory’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). The sector generates annual revenue of Rs 10,000 crore and employs about 35 lakh individuals.
In recent years, horticulture has undergone transformative efforts that have resulted in productivity gains, quality upgrades and year-round fruit supply through the use of technology and modern techniques. During 2024–25, 29.13 lakh plants were distributed, a significant increase from 6.41 lakh in 2021–22.
Under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), Rs 1,028.21 crore has been allocated for specific horticulture projects aimed at boosting productivity and quality across fruit crops. This strategic investment is expected to expand fruit cultivation to 50,000 hectares by 2047.
The production of fresh and dry fruits increased to 26.92 lakh metric tonnes in 2024–25 from 20.06 lakh metric tonnes in 2018–19, reflecting a growth of 34.20 per cent. Jammu and Kashmir requires 6.00 lakh metric tonnes of cold storage capacity to prevent distress sales and enable exports of premium apple varieties. Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage units have helped stabilise markets and ensure year-round income for growers. The Union Territory currently has a capacity of 2.92 lakh metric tonnes, which is expected to reach 3.07 lakh metric tonnes this financial year.
Market linkages have been strengthened through infrastructure upgrades and integration with the electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM), enabling online trading of fruits and vegetables. Transactions worth Rs 1,680.64 crore involving 28.26 lakh quintals were recorded by November 2025. Unified simple trade licences have simplified operations, benefiting 1,698 traders in 2025–26.
Exports of fresh and dry fruits stood at Rs 5,683.46 crore during 2024–25, including almond and walnut exports worth Rs 602.53 crore.
With modernisation, productivity improvements, market integration and sustainable practices, the horticulture sector has advanced towards higher incomes for growers and establishing the region as a leading producer of premium fruits for domestic and global markets.
In the floriculture sector, the government maintains 278 gardens, parks and lawns spread over 10,628.30 kanals through the Floriculture Department. The sector continues to contribute economically across Jammu and Kashmir.
A total of 11,889 growers are registered with the Department of Floriculture, Gardens and Parks, of whom 2,270 are actively engaged in commercial floriculture.
From April to November 2025–26, flower growers generated an income of Rs 42.92 crore, reflecting a decline of 0.74 per cent from Rs 43.24 crore in 2024–25.
Revenue from entry tickets, permissions for videography and filming in gardens and parks, and the sale of plant material had been rising over the last four financial years until 2025–26, which recorded a drop of Rs 19.17 crore.
The financial year 2024–25 recorded the highest revenue with a footfall of 61.38 lakh visitors and total revenue of Rs 23.71 crore. In contrast, 2025–26 has so far recorded revenue of Rs 4.54 crore.
In October 2025, the first Chrysanthemum Garden, Bagh-E-Gul-Dawood, was opened to tourists and locals, showcasing more than 50 varieties of flowers to promote the floriculture sector.
While the Tulip Garden has come to symbolise spring in Kashmir for both locals and tourists, Bagh-E-Gul-Dawood is expected to emerge as an autumn attraction, drawing visitors in large numbers and supporting the Union Territory’s aim of promoting Kashmir as a year-round destination.
