SHOPIAN, March 6: The Horticulture Department of Shopian has made significant progress during the 2025-26 financial year by promoting farm mechanization, irrigation expansion, and high-density plantation under various Central and UT-sponsored schemes.
Under the Capex program, the department distributed 6 power tillers, 25 power weeders, and 95 motor-powered sprayers to orchard owners to enhance farm mechanization.
Additional support under the Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) included the distribution of 7 brush cutters, 12 power-operated sprayers, 7 power weeders, and 2 irrigation pumps to improve orchard management.
Under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), farmers received mechanization equipment, including 3 power tillers, 1 tractor-operated sprayer, 22 brush cutters, 10 power sprayers, 29 power weeders, 15 irrigation pump sets, 2 mini tractors, and 2 wheeled brush cutters.
Through the HADP Project P13 (Integrated Farming System), 71 vermicomposting units were distributed, and 80 beneficiaries received support for planting fruit trees to promote sustainable farming.
A major shift towards high-density plantation was initiated under HADP, with 1.25 hectares brought under cultivation in the district.
Under the Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme, 7 hectares were covered under drip irrigation, and tube wells were also constructed to promote efficient water use.
Training and capacity-building programs under ATMA benefited 430 farmers through demonstrations, exposure visits, and skill development initiatives.
Under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), 12 vermicompost units were established, 1080 square meters were covered under polygreen houses, and 10,150 square meters were covered under anti-hail and anti-bird net systems.
The department is also establishing a 0.5-hectare cherry mother orchard under HADP to ensure the availability of quality grafting material for cherry cultivation.
Additionally, approximately 10,000 M-9 apple clonal rootstocks are being transplanted in departmental nurseries at Zainapora and Haripora to promote high-density apple plantation.
Shopian continues to maintain its status as a major horticulture hub, with an annual fruit production of 299,117.45 metric tonnes across 26,241 hectares, including 269,656.4 metric tonnes of apples, contributing nearly ₹1,500 crore to the district's economy.
