NITI Aayog unveils roadmap to make J&K global horticulture hub

• By RK News
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• 10 Apr 2026

Srinagar, Apr 10: The NITI Aayog has released a comprehensive roadmap aimed at transforming horticulture in Jammu and Kashmir into a high-value, export-oriented sector.
Titled Roadmap for Horticulture Development in the UT of J&K, the report outlines a value chain-based strategy covering production, post-harvest management, processing, logistics and market linkages. It proposes the launch of “Operation Golden Greens” to drive focused development across key crops, including fruits, vegetables, dry fruits and floriculture.
The strategy identifies low productivity, ageing orchards and high post-harvest losses as major challenges. It recommends interventions such as high-density plantations, orchard rejuvenation and expansion of modern infrastructure, including cold chains, controlled atmosphere storage, packhouses and processing units.
The roadmap also emphasises value addition through processing, branding and geographical indication-based marketing to improve returns for farmers. Export promotion forms a key component, with proposals for export clusters, traceability systems and alignment with international standards.
Institutional strengthening through Farmer Producer Organisations, cooperatives and public-private partnerships has been highlighted to support scalability and sustainability. The report also stresses the adoption of digital tools, climate-resilient practices and precision farming to enhance efficiency and address resource constraints.
Prepared by an expert group comprising officials from NITI Aayog and domain experts from institutions including SKUAST-K and ICAR-CITH Srinagar, the roadmap lays out a phased implementation plan with a long-term vision of positioning Jammu and Kashmir as a globally competitive horticulture hub by 2047.
The proposed strategy is expected to enhance farmer incomes, generate employment and increase the Union Territory’s contribution to India’s horticulture exports.