SRINAGAR: For the second consecutive year Kupwara district has registered the highest amount of walnut production in Jammu and Kashmir.
PHOTO BY BILAL BAHADUR
The district is also known for production of many other fruits but walnut remains its mainstay.
As per officials about 80 per cent of the total population in the district is directly or indirectly associated with agricultural and horticulture activities.
Quoting an official of the Horticulture department , KNO reported that Kupwara district has remained the top producer of walnuts in the entire JK. “37,010 metric tonnes of walnuts were produced this year in the district. Rajwar, Vilgam, Kralgund, Ashpora, Langate, Mawer, Sogam, Trehgam, Kralpora and Teethwal are the areas leading the walnut production.”
He added that about 8829 hectares of land in the area is under walnut production.
The official said they are encouraging youth to avail high-density trees that offer more monetary benefits. “Walnut nurseries are being set up in different areas of the district that will be profitable for the general public,” the official said.
“We are committed to taking advantage of the topography Kupwara district and encourage everyone, youth in particular, to take up this as part of their livelihoods. There are a lot of advantages that high-density walnut trees offer. Conventional trees need to be replaced now to allow expectations and results to go higher,” the official said.
