Uttarakhand’s Walnut Farming Gets a Boost with NDFCI Initiative

Uttarakhand in India is known for its rich production of dry fruits. It has seen a sharp decline in output over the past few years. To address this, the Nuts and Dry Fruits Council of India (NDFCI) has launched a walnut cultivation initiative in Chakrata, Uttarakhand. Marking the first-ever large-scale grafted walnut farming project in India.

As part of the initiative, 300 grafted walnut saplings were planted last month across three villages. The project aims to increase domestic walnut production, reduce import dependence, and create economic opportunities for local farmers. The NDFCI has designed this program to run for three years. Initially enrolling 70 farmers, with the goal of benefiting over 1,000 farmers by the end of the project.

Training and High-Yield Saplings to Support Farmers

The initiative includes advanced training programs to equip farmers with the knowledge needed for proper walnut cultivation and plant care. The saplings used in the project are high-yielding varieties sourced from Turkish horticulture firm Agronom, imported into India by Kalasan Nursery.

According to Achin Agarwal, Chairman of the Agriculture and Farmer Liaison Committee at NDFCI, this project is expected to meet the growing demand for walnuts in India. While expanding production to support the local economy. With the rising popularity of walnuts as part of a health-conscious diet, this initiative could help transform the region into a key hub for walnut farming and exports in the coming years.

India’s Growing Walnut Industry and Upcoming MEWA 2025 Exhibition

Beyond boosting production, NDFCI aims to establish world-class walnut nurseries across India, ensuring farmers have easy access to high-yielding plants. In collaboration with the Walnut and Other Nut Growers Association of India (VANGAI), NDFCI is working to make India a global leader in walnut production and exports.

NDFCI is preparing for the second edition of MEWA 2025, India’s largest business-to-business exhibition for nuts and dry fruits. The event will be held from February 11 to 14 in Mumbai. Featuring over 130 exhibitors and more than 6,000 participants from 30+ countries. This platform will provide Indian farmers and traders with opportunities to connect with international buyers and strengthen India’s position in the global nut market.

Conclusion: A New Era for Walnut Farming in India

With declining dry fruit production in Uttarakhand, NDFCI’s walnut cultivation initiative marks a major step toward reviving the industry. By training farmers, introducing high-yield saplings, and promoting exports. India could significantly reduce its reliance on imported walnuts while boosting the incomes of local farmers. If successful, this project could position Uttarakhand as a leading walnut-growing region in the country.





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