Bhadarwah, Aug. 6 -- Government support, improved infrastructure and growing entrepreneurial participation are driving a transformation in Jammu & Kashmir's horticulture sector, helping farmers move beyond traditional cultivation to value-added products and wider markets since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

Horticulture remains one of the strongest pillars of the Union Territory's economy, with an annual turnover of around Rs 12,000 crore, according to the Department of Horticulture. The Jammu Division alone contributes more than Rs 1,400 crore annually. Around 1.19 lakh hectares are under fruit cultivation, producing nearly 2.47 lakh metric tonnes of fruit every year.

Recognising horticulture as a thrust sector, the Government ...