Kashmir's walnut industry, once a thriving sector, is now in decline. The industry is facing a number of challenges, including imports from other countries, low rates, and a lack of training for walnut growers.
Kashmir produces a major portion of India's total walnut produce, but the Indian market is now flooded with imports from countries like California, Chile, and China. These imported walnuts are often cheaper than Kashmiri walnuts, making it difficult for Kashmiri growers to compete.
The price of Kashmiri walnuts has also fallen sharply in recent years, due to a combination of factors including the influx of imported walnuts and a decrease in domestic demand. This has made it difficult for Kashmiri growers to make a profit.
Many walnut growers in Kashmir lack the training and expertise they need to produce high-quality walnuts efficiently. This can lead to low yields and poor crop quality, which further undermines the competitiveness of Kashmiri walnuts.
In addition to these three main challenges, the walnut industry in Kashmir is also facing a number of other challenges, such as aging orchards, climate change, and a lack of government support.
“The decline of the walnut industry in Kashmir is a serious problem, as it is a major source of income for many people in the region. The government of India needs to take steps to address the challenges facing the industry, such as by providing financial assistance to growers, investing in research and development, and promoting Kashmiri walnuts in the domestic and international markets,” a grower Ali Mohammad said.