The recent report released by NITI Aayog, titled “Roadmap for Horticulture Development in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir @ 2047,” comes at a crucial moment for the Union Territory’s economy. Horticulture has long been the backbone of rural livelihoods in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), yet it faces mounting structural, technological and environmental challenges. The report offers a timely and ambitious blueprint to transform the sector into a globally competitive and sustainable enterprise by the year 2047.

J&K’s horticulture sector is not merely an economic activity; it is a way of life for millions. With an annual turnover of nearly ₹10,000 crore and a contribution of around 6–7 per cent to the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), the sector supports approximately 3.5 million people and sustains nearly 0.7 million families. The region enjoys a dominant position in India’s fruit economy, producing about 76 per cent of the country’s apples and an overwhelming 96 per cent of walnuts. Production has also seen remarkable growth over the decades, rising from just 10,000 tonnes in 1950–51 to over 2.6 million tonnes today.

Despite these achievements, the sector’s potential remains underutilised. One of the most pressing concerns is the prevalence of ageing orchards, particularly in apple cultivation. These orchards yield less, produce inferior quality fruit, and occupy valuable land that could otherwise be used more efficiently. The lack of access........

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