Udhampur, April 12,2026- In a remarkable example of agricultural transformation, 60-year-old farmer Sansar Chand from Katwalt village in Chenani tehsil is leading the shift towards high-density apple farming, inspiring a new wave of modern horticulture in the region.
With the support of government-backed initiatives, including subsidies under UT CAPEX and central schemes, Sansar Chand has successfully converted six kanals of traditional farmland into a modern, high-density apple orchard. The initiative has significantly improved productivity by introducing high-yield apple varieties that begin fruiting within just one year—far quicker than conventional apple cultivation methods.
High-density planting, a progressive horticultural technique, allows farmers to grow more trees per unit area, resulting in higher yields, efficient land use, and better returns. Chand’s orchard stands as a model of how innovation, when combined with policy support, can revolutionize farming practices in hilly regions like Udhampur.
In addition to apples, he has diversified his farm by cultivating crops such as walnut, kiwi, and lemon. This multi-crop approach not only enhances income stability but also promotes sustainable agriculture by reducing dependency on a single crop and improving soil health.
Local agriculture experts have praised Chand’s efforts, noting that such initiatives are crucial in encouraging climate-resilient and economically viable farming. His success story is particularly motivating for the youth, many of whom are now exploring horticulture as a means of livelihood and self-reliance.
As Jammu and Kashmir continues to push for agricultural diversification and modernization, farmers like Sansar Chand are playing a pivotal role in reshaping the region’s rural economy—one orchard at a time.
