Main Crops in Jammu and Kashmir

The major and main crops grown in Jammu and Kashmir are rice, saffron, wheat, apple, pear, walnut, maize, pulses, and other fruits and vegetables.

In this blog post, we will explore the different crops grown in Jammu and Kashmir, including their estimated output and percentage of total production.

Related: Geography of J&K

Main Crops in J&K

The complete list of all the major crops grown in Jammu and Kashmir.

Rice

Rice is the primary food crop grown in Jammu and Kashmir, mainly in the Jammu division.

The estimated output of rice in the region is around 2.5 million tons, accounting for 85% of the total food grain production in the state.

Wheat

Wheat is another essential cereal crop grown in Jammu and Kashmir, cultivated in both the Kashmir and Jammu divisions.

The estimated output of wheat in the region is around 350,000 tons, accounting for 12% of the total food grain production.

Maize

Maize is a significant crop in Jammu and Kashmir, mainly grown in the higher altitudes of the region.

The estimated output of maize in the region is around 200,000 tons, accounting for 7% of the total food grain production.

Pulses

Pulses, such as lentils, peas, and beans are also grown in the region and serve as an essential source of protein in the local diet.

The estimated output of pulses in the region is around 150,000 tons, accounting for 5% of the total food grain production.

Fruits

Jammu and Kashmir is famous for fruit production, with apples, apricots, cherries, peaches, and plums being the major fruits grown in the region.

The estimated output of fruits in Jammu and Kashmir is around 3.5 million tons, accounting for 72% of the total fruit production in the country.

Vegetables

A variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, and onions, are grown in Jammu and Kashmir.

The estimated output of vegetables in the region is around 550,000 tons, accounting for 20% of the total vegetable production in the state.

Saffron

Saffron cultivation is prevalent in the region and is mainly grown in the Pampore area of the Kashmir division.

The estimated output of saffron in the region is around 7,500 kg, accounting for 95% of the total saffron production in the country.

Sugarcane

Sugarcane is a significant cash crop grown in Jammu, mainly in the Kathua and Jammu districts.

The estimated output of sugarcane in the region is around 1.5 million tons, accounting for 72% of the total sugarcane production in the state.

Mustard

Mustard is a major oilseed crop grown in the Jammu division of the region.

The estimated output of mustard in the region is around 150,000 tons, accounting for 75% of the total oilseed production in the state.

Mangoes

Mangoes are also grown in Jammu and are a significant fruit crop in the region.

The estimated output of mangoes in the region is around 50,000 tons.

Grapes

Grapes are grown in the Jammu region and are mainly used for wine production.

The estimated output of grapes in the region is around 25,000 tons.

Apricots

Apricots are grown in Ladakh, particularly in the Kargil and Leh districts.

The estimated output of apricots in the region is around 10,000 tons.

Barley

Barley is an essential cereal crop grown in Ladakh, mainly in the Leh district.

The estimated output of barley in the region is around 15,000 tons.

Buckwheat

Buckwheat is another significant crop grown in Ladakh, mainly in the Kargil district.

The estimated output of buckwheat in the region is around 5,000 tons.

Crops Economy

According to the Economic Survey of Jammu and Kashmir 2019-20, agriculture and allied sectors contributed approximately 20% to the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Jammu and Kashmir in the financial year 2018-19.

Summary

In conclusion, Jammu and Kashmir’s agricultural landscape is as diverse as its culture and geography.

The region’s unique climate and fertile soil make it an ideal place for cultivating a wide range of crops, including rice, wheat, fruits, and saffron.

FAQ’s

  • Which crops are most commonly grown in Jammu and Kashmir?

    Some of the most commonly grown crops in Jammu and Kashmir include rice, wheat, maize, pulses, oilseeds, and fruits such as apples, pears, and cherries.

  • What is the total area under crop cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir?

    According to the latest data available, the total area under crop cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir is approximately 1.25 million hectares.

  • Which regions of Jammu and Kashmir are known for saffron cultivation?

    Saffron cultivation is primarily concentrated in the Pampore region of Kashmir, which is known for producing high-quality saffron.

  • What are the main crops of Jammu?

    The Jammu region is known for the cultivation of a variety of crops, including rice, wheat, maize, pulses, oilseeds

  • What is the significance of saffron cultivation in Kashmir?

    Saffron is a high-value crop that is widely cultivated in the Pampore region of Kashmir. It is known for its unique flavor, fragrance, and medicinal properties