Shopian: The Horticulture Department Shopian has recorded significant progress in farm mechanization and high-density plantation during the financial year 2025–26, implementing several interventions under centrally and UT-sponsored schemes to boost orchard productivity and farmers’ incomes.
Officials said the department has intensified efforts toward modernization of orchards through mechanization support, irrigation expansion and adoption of advanced plantation technologies.
Under the Capex programme, the department distributed 6 power tillers, 25 power weeders and 95 motor power sprayers among orchardists. Additional mechanization support was provided under the Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM), including 7 brush cutters, 12 power-operated sprayers, 7 power weeders and two irrigation pumps.
Under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), mechanization support under Project P-9 included the distribution of three power tillers, one tractor-operated sprayer, 22 brush cutters, 10 power-operated sprayers, 29 power weeders, 15 irrigation pump sets, two mini tractors and two wheeled brush cutters.
Officials said 71 vermi beds were distributed and 80 beneficiaries were supported with fruit plants under the Integrated Farming System (Project P-13) to promote diversified and sustainable farming.
The district also witnessed a shift toward high-density plantation, with 1.25 hectares of land covered under the initiative during the current financial year.
Under the Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme, drip irrigation systems were installed on 7 hectares, along with construction of tubewells to promote efficient water use.
Capacity-building initiatives under ATMA benefited 430 farmers through training programmes, exposure visits and demonstrations on modern horticulture practices.
Under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), 12 vermicompost units were established, 1,080 square metres of polygreen houses were set up under protected cultivation, and 10,150 square metres were covered under anti-hail and anti-bird net support systems to protect orchards from climatic damage.
Officials further said a Cherry Mother Orchard spread over 0.5 hectares is being established under HADP to ensure the availability of quality graft material for cherry cultivation in the district.
In addition, around 10,000 apple clonal rootstocks of the M-9 variety are being transplanted in departmental fruit plant nurseries at Zainapora and Haripora to support the expansion of high-density apple plantations.
Shopian, considered the horticultural hub of Kashmir, currently produces about 2,99,117.45 metric tonnes of fruit annually from 26,241 hectares, including 2,69,656.4 metric tonnes of apples, contributing nearly ₹1,500 crore to the district’s economy, officials said.
