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Showing posts with label horticulture industry kashmir. Show all posts
Showing posts with label horticulture industry kashmir. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

KASHMIR: A land of opportunity

Kashmir Fruit Trees

Horticulture also serves as a high contributing industry to the state’s economy. Out of the total area of horticulture in the state, 90 percent is concentrated in the valley due to its suitable climate. With annual turnover of 75 million USD, this sector is the biggest source of income in the state’s economy next to agriculture. Additionally, horticulture is gaining momemtum in the state as revealed by its 7-8% contribution to the state’s GDP. Almost 45% of economic returns in the agricultural sector is accounted for by horticulture.4 The agro-climatic conditions prove highly suitable for growth and development fruits and various wild herbs. Local soil is deep and rich in organic matter and access to human resources for farm labour is amply abundant.

The horticulture industry also serves as a great advantage to the state due to its monopoly on walnuts, black walnuts, almonds, pears, cherries, apples, hazelnuts, pecan-nuts, strawberries, goji berries, and kiwi fruits. However, according to the J&K Planning Commission, Kashmiri horticulturalists have limited their industry to merely supplying primary products rather than diversifying their market through value addition. Juice concentrate and jams, processing units for saffron, herbs and dry fruits like almonds and walnuts also offer abundant opportunities for entrepreneurship. Export potential for processed fruits, walnut products, honey, and etc., will increase through consciencious use of fertilizers for quality production and disease protection. By utilizing modern technology for packaging and cold storage, youth entrepreneurs can transform the Kashmirhorticulture industry.

Floriculture provides an overall market size in Kashmir of US$2 million annually and supplies flowers and products to both domestic and international markets. According to the J&K Economic Survey for 2010-11, an area of 250 hectares is under commercial floriculture production in Kashmir.

Annual turnover from floral trade which was just 1 crore during 1998-1999 has reached to a level of 10 crores during 2009-2010. In addition to centrally sponsored schemes issued from the Government of J&K, the J&K Bank also offers the JK Bank Commercial Floriculture Finance – composite term loan in order to provide “adequate and need based financial assistance for commercial cultivation of flowers”5 . Similar to horticulture, aspiring entrepreneurs will benefit from value addition opportunities in the floriculture sector. In addition to cut flowers, foliage and bulbs distribution, processing of medicinal and aromatic plants for oils and handsoaps adheres to a high national and international export market. Livestock is another fast growing sector making great progress in the Kashmir economy. As per provisional estimates of the 18th livestock census in 2007, the total livestock population in the state has increased from 98.99 lakh in 2003 to 104.73 lakh in 2007, registering an increase of 5.8%6 . The J&K Department of Animal Husbandry offers centrally sponsored sector schemes such as: the rural backyard poulty development scheme, livestock health and disease control, and the venture capital fund/dairy entrepreneurship development scheme.7 Youth entrepreneurs should again consider value addition of processing and packaging for livestock and dairy enterprises. From packaged frozen meats to leather tanning, startup businesses in the livestock and dairy sector hold vast potential for domestic and export growth in Kashmir. The Agriculture Department, Government of J&K offers several centrally sponsored schemes such as the Technology Mission (TM) and the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) to provide greater incentives, training and assistance for upcoming entrepreneurs. Additionally, J&K Bank also offers a list of specialized finance schemes such as the All Purpose Agri-term Loan in order to help kickstart the careers of youth entrepreneurs. These opportunities will be discussed in greater detail througout the booklet; however, entrepreneurs are encouraged to consult these institutions.