New Delhi, April 8 The government think tank, NITI Aayog, on Wednesday proposed "Operation Golden Greens" – a framework for transforming the horticultural sector in Jammu and Kashmir and increasing exports of apples, walnuts, almonds, and saffron.
The report, titled "Roadmap for Horticultural Development in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir," further stated that J&K's horticultural products have significant global trade potential.
"However, India's presence in global markets for these commodities remains limited, with increasing import dependence and stagnant or declining exports," it said.
Outlining the roadmap to enhance the production of horticultural products in J&K, the Aayog said there will be five sub-missions, dedicated to dry fruits, fresh fruits, vegetables, floriculture, and minor crops. Each sub-mission will be built on twelve identified common components, but with differentiated priorities, allocations, and activities aligned to its respective value chain and regional potential.
"It will be implemented in three phases, with Phase 1 extending from 2026-30, Phase 2 from 2030-35, and Phase 3 from 2035-47," the report said.
According to the report, short-term (2026-28) and medium-term (2028-30) measures will fall within Phase 1, while long-term actions (2031 onwards) will be implemented through Phases 2 and 3.
The report noted that initiatives such as the Indian International Kashmir Saffron Park and dedicated branding campaigns can help secure a premium position in global markets for saffron.
"Strengthening domestic production by increasing area in non-traditional areas with the support of irrigation systems and improved planting material, enhancing quality, and improving market linkages could help boost India's share in the global saffron trade," it said.
The report noted that enhancing apple production in Jammu and Kashmir requires a combination of import substitution strategies and export promotion efforts to strengthen the domestic apple industry.
"This includes enhancing domestic apple production through improved quality and productivity, reducing post-harvest losses by expanding storage and cold-chain infrastructure, and establishing modern grading, packaging, processing, and CA storage facilities, promoting high-density apple plantations to improve yield and land productivity, and strengthening export competitiveness through better varieties, mechanisation of apple orchards, branding, and improved market access," it said.
The report pointed out that over the past four decades, the area under fruit cultivation (fresh and dry) has expanded from 1.31 lakh hectare in 1980 to 3.44 lakh ha in 2022, registering a CAGR of 2.33 per cent, while the production of fruits has increased over fivefold, from 5.6 lakh tonnes in 1980 to 27.22 lakh tonnes in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 3.82 per cent.
However, it said that productivity has risen at a slower pace, from 4.3 tonne per hectare in 1980 to 7.91 tonne/ha in 2022, with a CAGR of only 1.46 per cent.
The report presented a comprehensive and forward-looking roadmap to strengthen the horticulture sector in the Union Territory through a value-chain-based and technology-driven approach.
It focused on improving productivity, strengthening post-harvest and cold-chain infrastructure, promoting value addition, and enhancing market linkages.
A key highlight of the roadmap is the proposed mission framework, Operation Golden Greens, aimed at driving integrated development of horticulture across segments, including fruits, dry fruits, vegetables, floriculture, and minor crops, through a phased and coordinated approach.
The roadmap outlined interventions across short-term, medium-term, and long-term horizons, aligned with the broader vision of building a competitive, resilient, and inclusive horticulture ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir.