Jammu,
The state produces nearly 18 lakh metric tonnes of fruit annually, contributing to 70 per cent of the national fruit production. This was revealed by officials of the Horticulture Department during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti in Jammu.

Mufti reviewed the implementation of various schemes in horticulture related to high-density apple plantation, walnut industry and village-specific fruit schemes.

She was apprised that the state government had set up Mango, Orange and Anardana villages in Kathua, Reasi and Ramban districts over a cost of Rs 10.59 crore.

Mehbooba underscored the need to introduce high-yielding varieties of fruit crops by gradual phasing out of old orchards. For this, she advised the departments concerned to adopt a joint mechanism with which the farmers could be incentivised and persuaded to take up plantation of new varieties.

“The introduction of high-yielding varieties of fruits, good connectivity to orchards to cut down the overhead costs, availability of cold chain and good marketing are the areas which need to be given attention to take the horticulture industry to a level where it can optimally tap the fruit requirement at the national level,” Mehbooba said.