Kathua , March 9,2026: The Horticulture Department in Kathua has launched a new initiative to encourage young orchardists and progressive farmers by promoting the cultivation of high-value, colorful, and high-yield fruit varieties. The program is being implemented at the Horticulture Nursery in Nagari, where quality planting material is being prepared for distribution.
According to Chief Horticulture Officer Ashwani Sharma, the department has established a mother block of premium fruit plants to ensure the availability of disease-free and genetically superior saplings. These plants will soon be supplied to young farmers across the district to strengthen the horticulture sector and improve farm income.
The initiative focuses on introducing high-value fruit crops that offer better productivity, attractive market value, and improved profitability. Officials believe that encouraging modern orchard management and diversified fruit cultivation will create sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural youth.
The department plans to distribute these saplings during the upcoming planting season, enabling farmers to establish scientifically managed orchards. Training and technical guidance will also be provided to ensure proper cultivation practices and higher yields.
This step is part of a broader effort to modernize horticulture in Jammu and Kashmir and attract more young entrepreneurs to fruit farming, which has emerged as one of the most promising sectors in the region’s agricultural economy.
Agriculture experts say such initiatives can significantly boost high-density fruit plantation, orchard productivity, and rural employment, while helping farmers transition from traditional crops to high-value horticulture farming.
