Ambitious drive aims to modernise orchards & boost productivity across Valley
Junaid Rather
In a major development for the horticulture sector in Kashmir, Qul Fruits has initiated an ambitious plantation drive to plant nearly 1.5 million high-density apple trees in 2026, reflecting the growing shift toward scientific and modern orchard management in the Valley.
According to officials associated with the initiative, the plantation will be carried out in different phases throughout Kashmir and is expected to be completed by the end of April 2026. The large-scale plantation is part of an effort to expand high-density apple farming, a technique increasingly promoted by horticulture experts as a more productive alternative to traditional orchards.
Looking ahead, Qul Fruits is also planning to expand its horticulture initiatives beyond apples. The company is exploring plantation projects in Bhutan and the Northeast region of India in 2026, with plans to introduce high-value fruits such as cherry, pear, kiwi, plucot and blueberry. The move reflects a broader vision to promote diversified fruit cultivation using modern high-density techniques in regions with suitable agro-climatic conditions.
Kashmir’s apple industry forms the backbone of the region’s horticulture economy. Official figures indicate that the Valley produces over 2 million metric tonnes of apples annually, sometimes reaching 2.5 million metric tonnes, making it one of the largest apple-producing regions in South Asia.
The sector is also a major economic driver. Nearly half of Kashmir’s population is directly or indirectly dependent on apple cultivation, while horticulture contributes around 9–10 per cent to Jammu and Kashmir’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and generates nearly 8.5 crore man-days of employment every year.
However, much of Kashmir’s apple cultivation is still based on traditional orcharding systems that have remained unchanged for decades. In conventional orchards, only about 250 apple trees are planted per hectare, whereas high-density orchards can accommodate up to 3,000 plants per hectare, significantly increasing productivity.
Experts say the yield difference between the two systems is also considerable. Traditional orchards generally produce 10 to 15 tonnes of apples per hectare, while high-density plantations can produce 50 to 70 tonnes per hectare within the first few years of planting under proper management.
Another key advantage of high-density orchards is their early fruit-bearing capacity. Traditional apple trees typically take 15 to 20 years to reach full production, whereas high-density plants begin producing fruit within two years and achieve full yield by the fourth or fifth year, reducing economic risks for growers.
Over the past decade, the shift toward high-density farming has been gaining momentum in Kashmir. The first high-density apple orchard in the region was introduced in 2014, and since then, the government has been encouraging growers to adopt the system through subsidies and technical support.
Under government schemes, orchardists converting to high-density plantations can receive up to 50 per cent subsidy, with further financial assistance available through different financial institutions.
Modern orchard management practices are also central to the success of high-density plantations. Experts emphasise that these orchards are carefully designed using scientific spacing, trellis systems, drip irrigation and fertigation techniques, allowing growers to monitor plant growth more precisely. Regular pruning, canopy management, nutrient scheduling and integrated pest management (IPM) help maintain plant health and ensure uniform fruit quality.
Such management systems make orchards easier to maintain, reduce wastage of water and fertilisers, and allow farmers to achieve higher productivity with better quality produce.
High-density plantations also offer advantages in terms of orchard management. Experts note that these orchards require less pesticide and fertiliser use, improved irrigation systems such as drip irrigation, and better canopy management, which together enhance fruit quality and sustainability.
Popular high-density apple varieties grown in Kashmir include Gala Schinico Red, Gala Mema, Gala Bedin, Gala Redlum, Mema Mestar, King Roat, Jeromine, Fuji, Granny Smith and Golden Reindeers, which are known for their superior colour, uniform size and higher market value.
Industry observers believe that large-scale plantation drives such as the one being undertaken by Qul Fruits could contribute significantly to increasing productivity and strengthening the competitiveness of Kashmir apples in domestic and international markets.
As the Valley’s horticulture sector continues to adapt to changing climate patterns, market demands and technological advancements, experts say the adoption of high-density orchards may play a crucial role in securing the future of Kashmir’s apple economy.
The writer is a communications professional who works on sharing stories of innovation and change in agriculture, empowering farmers, transforming rural economies, and bringing global attention to grassroots success.
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