Vegetable Cultivation in Jammu Kashmir Sees Fluctuations Over the Years
SRINAGAR: The area under vegetable cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed variations over the past decade, reflecting shifts in agricultural trends and government interventions, the government revealed in the Lok Sabha.
In 2014-15, the total area under vegetable cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir stood at 63,060 hectares, with a production of 1,395,470 metric tonnes. The following year, in 2015-16, there was a slight decline, with the area reducing to 62,630 hectares and production falling marginally to 1,386,370 metric tonnes.
By 2016-17, the area further declined to 58,650 hectares. However, production saw a modest increase to 1,410,420 metric tonnes, indicating improved yield per hectare. In 2017-18, both area and production dipped, with cultivation covering only 56,290 hectares and production falling to 1,226,640 metric tonnes.
In 2018-19, the trend reversed as the area under vegetable cultivation expanded to 60,120 hectares, with production increasing to 1,337,120 metric tonnes. The following year, 2019-20, saw stagnation, with both area and production figures remaining the same.
The figures for 2020-21 were also unchanged at 60,120 hectares and 1,339,120 metric tonnes. However, a significant surge occurred in 2021-22, with the area rising to 83,670 hectares and production increasing substantially to 1,889,620 metric tonnes.
This upward trajectory continued in 2022-23, with production reaching 1,995,780 metric tonnes, while the area remained constant at 83,670 hectares. The most recent data for 2023-24 (third advance estimate) shows a further increase in production to 1,996,180 metric tonnes, while the area under cultivation remained unchanged.
The fluctuations in vegetable cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir can be attributed to factors such as changing climatic conditions, availability of irrigation facilities, and government initiatives. The sharp increase in area and production from 2021-22 onwards suggests a possible impact of policy measures aimed at boosting horticulture in the region. The government’s focus on improving productivity through better seeds, fertilisers, and irrigation support has likely contributed to this growth. However, maintaining stability and ensuring sustained growth in vegetable production remains a key challenge for policymakers.
