Kathua, Aug. 30 -- Walnut harvesting has begun in the Bani area of Kathua district, where local farmers are cultivating the crop using traditional methods after being inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' programme. Earlier, farmers in the region mainly cultivated maize.

Farmer Madav Lal, who has been involved in horticulture for the past 30 years, told ANI that walnut cultivation has helped increase farmers' income and encouraged them to move beyond traditional crops like maize.

"I have been working in the field of horticulture for 30 years. Our income is increasing day by day. The Prime Minister's message to farmers is also to increase their income and focus more on horticulture," Lal said.

He said earlier farmers...