ABSTRACT
Because of a wide range of agro-climatic conditions in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), a large number of fruit crops are being grown. Fruit production is the backbone of the state’s economy, providing livelihood to more than 35 lakh people out of a total population of 1.25 crore (2011 census). Over 7 lakh families are involved in this sector. The state generates about Rs. 6,000 crore income from fresh fruits, and over Rs. 200 crore from dry fruits. A variety of fruit crops ranging from sub-tropical to temperate fruits are grown in the state, which include apple, pear, peach, plum, apricot, cherry, grapes, citrus, olive, mango, ber, strawberry among fresh fruits, and walnut and almond among dry nuts (Table 12.1). The statistics related to the area, production, and productivity of previous years in the state is given in Tables 12.1 to 12.13.
