Kathua, August 30,2026– Walnut harvesting has begun in Kathua’s Bani area, with local farmers cultivating the crop using traditional methods and viewing their produce as a product of natural farming. The harvest season has brought renewed optimism among growers in the region, many of whom have gradually shifted from traditional crops to horticulture in recent years.
A Farmer’s Journey from Maize to Walnuts
Madav Lal, a farmer who has been engaged in horticulture for three decades, shared his experience of transitioning from conventional farming to walnut cultivation. “I have been working in the field of horticulture for 30 years… our income is increasing day by day,” he said, adding that horticulture has proven far more profitable than the crops traditionally grown in the region.
“The elders used to cultivate only maize. But there is no profit in that,” Lal noted, describing how the shift to walnut farming has transformed his household’s economic prospects. He said his yield varies from season to season, ranging between 30,000, 40,000, or even 50,000 units, reflecting the scale of production his orchard now supports.
Inspired by ‘Mann Ki Baat’
Lal credited the Prime Minister’s public messaging for motivating farmers like him to pay closer attention to horticulture as a livelihood option. “The Prime Minister’s message to farmers is also to increase their income and focus more on horticulture… we get a lot of inspiration from PM’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program on TV. Hearing him speak about increasing our income motivated me to pay more attention to this,” he said.
He also acknowledged the role of the local Horticulture Department in supporting farmers through the cultivation process. “The Horticulture Department staff are locals; they visit us and guide us at every stage. They help resolve any problems that arise,” Lal said, highlighting the on-ground support system that has helped farmers in Bani adapt to horticultural practices.
Suleman and Hamdan Varieties in Focus
Describing the specific varieties he cultivates, Lal said, “The varieties I grow here are Suleman and Hamdan. They taste great, and the size is just right, too. It breaks easily by hand. Sometimes, it even breaks just from falling to the ground.” He added that the drying process for the harvested walnuts typically takes at least a week before they are ready for sale or consumption.
Traditional Methods, Natural Farming
Farmers in Bani continue to rely on traditional cultivation methods for their walnut orchards, with many viewing the produce as a result of natural farming practices free from heavy chemical intervention. This approach, passed down through generations, has helped maintain the distinct taste and quality associated with walnuts grown in the region, even as farmers increasingly look to modernise other aspects of their agricultural practices with support from government departments.
A Shift Toward Horticulture-Led Livelihoods
The experience of farmers like Madav Lal reflects a broader shift underway in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, where horticulture is increasingly being viewed as a more remunerative alternative to traditional food crops. Officials associated with the Horticulture Department have highlighted walnut cultivation, among other fruit crops, as an area with significant potential for boosting farmer incomes, particularly in hill and semi-hill regions such as Bani, where the climate and terrain are well-suited to such crops.
Government Support Continues
The continued engagement of Horticulture Department staff with farmers on the ground has been cited as a key factor in helping cultivators navigate challenges related to plant health, yield management, and post-harvest processing. Farmers in the region have expressed hope that sustained institutional support, combined with rising market demand for naturally grown produce, will continue to strengthen the economic viability of walnut farming in Bani and similar areas across the district.
As the harvesting season progresses, growers in Bani are expected to bring their produce to local and regional markets, with many farmers optimistic that this year’s yield will further contribute to the steady rise in household incomes that horticulture has enabled in the area.