Editorial | Walnut industry in Kashmir needs immediate attention

Globally, India stands eighth in terms of walnut production. And within India, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is the major walnut-producer with annual output of around 2.66 lakh metric tonnes grown on 89,000 hectares; J&K accounts for more than 98 percent of the total walnut production in India.

Walnuts in Kashmir are grown organically, which means no chemical sprays or fertilisers are used in its cultivation. Kashmiri walnuts are popular across India and are exported to the UK, the Netherlands and France, among many other countries.

Despite being high in produce, Kashmir’s walnut is gasping for breath and survival as an intrusion of the Californian walnut breeds in Indian cities has cast a shadow on the Valley’s indigenous walnut produce and brought down its price. According to local news agencies, The decline of its local market is pushing the growers to the wall and the industry is on the verge of collapse.

The absence of scientific intervention and many other factors hit Kashmir’s walnut industry badly with growers looking for alternative crops like apple plantations to earn a livelihood.

Traditionally, Kashmiri walnuts have enjoyed good demand in both domestic and international markets. Yet ever since walnuts from California, Chile and China have entered the Indian market, Kashmir’s walnut industry has suffered a set back.