Srinagar, Nov 03 (KNO): Kashmir's traditional agricultural landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with an increasing number of farmers abandoning paddy cultivation in favour of high-density apple orchards, driven by better returns, early fruit production and changing market preferences.
The shift is particularly visible in low-lying areas of Kashmir, where vast stretches of land once dominated by paddy are gradually being converted into apple orchards.
In several villages of Pulwama district, including Niloora and Nowpora in the Shahoora area of Litter Tehsil, farmers said the proportion of land under paddy cultivation has declined dramatically. According to local estimates, paddy cultivation, which once covered nearly 95 per cent of the agricultural land in these villages, has now been reduced to approximately 10 to 15 per cent in just a few years.
Growers told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the trend is largely influenced by the comparatively higher economic returns from high-density apple varieties, which begin producing fruit within a short period and allow farmers to recover their investment earlier than traditional plantations.
"Earlier, almost every household in our village was associated with paddy cultivation. The fields would remain covered with paddy crops during the summer and autumn. However, things have changed considerably. Today, only a small portion of the land is being used for paddy, while the remaining area has been converted into apple orchards," a grower from Niloora said.
Another farmer from Nowpora said the transformation was continuing at a rapid pace, with even those who had initially hesitated now showing interest. "Once people saw that high-density orchards could produce quality apples within two to three years and fetch better prices, they started considering it a more profitable option. Gradually, paddy fields began disappearing, and the process has not stopped yet," he said.
Growers said declining demand and comparatively lower prices for several traditional apple varieties have also contributed to the shift, with high-density varieties fetching better prices owing to their uniform size, attractive colour and market preference.
High-density apple cultivation was introduced in Kashmir around 2015 to modernise the horticulture sector, increase productivity and improve produce quality. Unlike conventional trees, which take several years to reach commercial production, high-density plantations start yielding fruit within the first few years. The early harvesting window, generally between August and September, enables growers to bring produce to markets before the peak arrival of traditional varieties. Farmers also point to anti-hail nets and other protective measures that help reduce weather-related losses.
Mohammad Ali Dar, a grower from a low-lying area of Shopian who has established a high-density orchard on eight kanals, said, "People have witnessed the results of high-density cultivation and are now convinced about its potential. I have already planted eight kanals and have prepared another 12 kanals for conversion." He said the new system was easier to manage and produced apples with better grading and market appeal.
Among the varieties gaining popularity are Jeromine, King Roat, Gala Scarlet, Red Velox, Scarlet Spur-II, Super Chief, Redlum Gala, Auvi Fuji, RD 11, Syncho Gala, Terex Gala, Z1 and SS2.
Kashmir produces over 20 lakh metric tonnes of apples annually, and the industry remains a major contributor to the rural economy, providing livelihoods to thousands of families. However, the growing conversion of paddy land into orchards brings into focus concerns regarding the future of foodgrain production, particularly in a region that depends on outside supplies to meet a substantial portion of its rice requirements.
While farmers view the transition as an economically driven decision, the rapid disappearance of paddy fields raises questions about balancing horticultural expansion with the preservation of agricultural land used for food production, highlighting the need for a comprehensive assessment of land-use changes—(KNO)