Apple Cultivation Gains Ground Over Dry Fruits in Kinnaur
Shift from Dry Fruits to Apple Farming
Kinnaur district, known for its tourism and organic dry fruits, is witnessing a significant shift in farming practices. Farmers who traditionally cultivated dry fruits like apricots, almonds, and pine nuts are now focusing more on apple farming. Many are abandoning dry fruit cultivation entirely in favor of apples and other alternative crops.Decline in Dry Fruit Production
A local farmer shared that he used to bring 12–15 quintals of apricots and 3–4 quintals of almonds to fairs in Rampur. This year, however, he managed to bring only 1 quintal of apricots and 30 kg of almonds. The reduced production has driven up prices, making dry fruits unaffordable for many. Despite the higher prices, producers are facing losses due to lower quantities and declining demand.Traditional Kinnauri products like almonds, apricots, pine nuts, kidney beans, peas, black cumin, and shilajit are still available in markets. However, their quantities have dropped significantly. High costs have deterred buyers, leaving vendors with unsold stock.
Farmers Favor Apples for Better Returns
Farmers attribute the shift to several factors. Dry fruit farming is labor-intensive and costly, while new apple varieties offer better yields and quicker returns. A horticulture expert, Dr. Ashwini Kumar, explained that imported apple varieties start bearing fruit within 4–5 years, providing a faster income stream. This makes apple farming a more attractive option for many farmers.Another farmer noted that he has been coming to fairs for the past five years to sell dry fruits and organic products. This year, he observed less enthusiasm among customers and fewer buyers for his produce. Meanwhile, more farmers are planting apple orchards on previously unused land.
Efforts to Preserve Traditional Farming
The Agriculture Department is working to support traditional farming through subsidies. Dr. Rajesh Jaiswal, an expert from the department, emphasized the nutritional and medicinal benefits of traditional Kinnauri products. He noted that efforts are being made to encourage farmers to continue growing these crops, as they are highly beneficial for health.Conclusion
The shift from dry fruits to apple cultivation in Kinnaur highlights the challenges faced by traditional farming. While apples offer quicker and more reliable returns, losing traditional crops could impact the region’s agricultural diversity. Ongoing efforts by agricultural experts aim to strike a balance by preserving traditional farming while supporting modern horticultural practices.Click here to reach our trading platfrom CMBroker
