Topic
high-value crops
Commodities Beyond traditional crops: Why high-value nut farming could be the next growth opportunity for hill States
Indian hill states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir are poised to expand high-value nut farming, leveraging climate advantages and policy support. With domestic demand for nuts rising and a significant share met by imports, locally grown almonds and walnuts could capture market share. Recent budget announcements and sapling imports signal a shift toward scalable production, though infrastructure gaps remain.
Commodities Lavender Cultivation Expands as High-Value Agricultural Enterprise in Jammu and Kashmir
Lavender cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir has expanded to around 1,200 hectares, emerging as a profitable alternative to conventional crops. The crop is promoted under the Union government's Aroma Mission and the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme, with 14 lavender clusters operationalised. Farmers earn high returns from essential oil and dried flowers, with prices ranging between ₹1,000 and ₹1,500 per kilogram.