Jammu, Jan 31, Feb. 1 -- Horticulture is the backbone of Jammu & Kashmir's rural economy, with apples playing a central role by supporting lakhs of farming families and allied livelihoods. Despite the region's renowned apple quality, the sector has long struggled with structural constraints. Traditionally, harvest season created urgency rather than opportunity. Limited grading, storage, and organised marketing meant that even premium apples were sold at average prices, leaving growers with little control over timing or returns.This scenario is changing under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), implemented by the Agriculture Production Department. The programme is restructuring the apple sector into an integrated value c...