Modern walnut cultivation and processing are creating new opportunities for farmers in Kashmir, with growing interest in improved varieties and mechanised processing. According to the speaker, farmers in the Budder zone have shown increasing interest in the Chandler variety of walnut. Around 20 kanals were planted with the variety last year, while awareness programmes and camps are now encouraging more farmers to adopt it. The growing participation reflects increasing awareness about improved walnut cultivation and its potential benefits. Mechanisation has also transformed the walnut processing process. Traditionally, walnuts were broken and processed manually, requiring significant time and labour. With the introduction of machines, several stages of processing have become faster and more efficient. The machine can remove the walnut shell, dry and wash the produce, while facilitating the extraction of the kernel. Once the walnuts are processed, the kernels can be separated and prepared for further sale or marketing. The impact of mechanisation is particularly visible in terms of time savings. Earlier, processing a single bag of walnuts could require two people working for an entire day. Today, the same task can reportedly be completed in around 10 to 15 minutes using machinery. With improved varieties, farmer awareness and modern processing technology, walnut cultivation is gaining fresh momentum, offering opportunities to improve productivity, reduce labour requirements and strengthen the local walnut economy.
