For this article:

19 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu
4 min
EconomyEnvironment & EcologyNEWS

Kashmir Apple Farmers Adopt New Rootstocks for Higher Yields

New rootstock technologies and high-density systems boost apple cultivation efficiency in Kashmir.

Kashmir's apple production, crucial for local livelihoods, faces challenges like rising costs and climate stress. New rootstock technologies, including clonal rootstocks like M-9, MM-106, and MM-111, are being adopted to improve productivity. These rootstocks lead to higher yields (up to 40 tonnes per hectare), earlier fruiting, and better fruit quality.

Government schemes like the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture support farmers with subsidies and access to quality rootstocks. Farmers like Tantray Manzoor are shifting to high-density planting, reporting increased income and improved fruit quality. ICAR-CITH is developing indigenous rootstocks suited to Himalayan climate change.

Key Facts

1.

Apple cultivation in Kashmir is done on 1.08 lakh ha.

2.

Apple production in Kashmir is around 11 lakh tonnes.

3.

Apple farming provides livelihoods to around 27 lakh people in Kashmir.

4.

Traditional apple trees take 6-8 years to produce a commercial crop.

5.

Traditional apple trees yield 10-12 tonnes per hectare.

6.

Dwarf clonal rootstocks can raise productivity to 40 tonnes per hectare.

7.

High-density orchards yield marketable fruit within 2-4 years.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper 3 (Economy): Agricultural productivity, government schemes, climate change impact on agriculture

2.

Connects to syllabus topics like horticulture, agricultural research, government policies for agriculture

3.

Potential question types: Statement-based, scheme analysis, impact assessment

In Simple Words

Apple farmers in Kashmir are using new types of roots for their trees. These new roots help the trees grow better and produce more apples, faster. It's like giving the apple trees a super-boost so they can give us more fruit.

India Angle

In India, many farmers struggle with low crop yields and unpredictable weather. By using these new root systems, Kashmiri apple farmers can grow more apples, increasing their income and improving their livelihoods.

For Instance

Think of it like upgrading from a regular bicycle to an electric bike. The electric bike (new rootstock) helps you travel faster and with less effort, just like the new rootstocks help apple trees produce more fruit with less stress.

This matters because it shows how new technology can help farmers grow more food and earn a better living. It also ensures we have a stable supply of delicious Kashmiri apples.

New roots, more fruits, better life for apple farmers.

Visual Insights

Key Statistics on Kashmir Apple Production

Highlights key figures related to apple production and new rootstock adoption in Kashmir.

Apple Yield with New Rootstocks
40 tonnes/hectare

Significantly higher than traditional methods, boosting farmer income.

Apple Growing Regions of Kashmir

Shows the key apple-producing regions in Kashmir where new rootstock technologies are being adopted.

Loading interactive map...

📍Jammu & Kashmir
More Information

Background

Apple cultivation is a significant contributor to the economy of Jammu and Kashmir. The region's temperate climate and fertile soil make it ideal for apple production. However, traditional apple farming methods often result in lower yields and are vulnerable to climate change impacts. The introduction of new rootstock technologies is aimed at addressing these challenges and improving the overall productivity and profitability of apple farming in the region. The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) is a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at promoting holistic growth of the horticulture sector. It covers fruits, vegetables, root & tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, cocoa and bamboo. MIDH provides financial assistance and technical support to farmers for adopting modern technologies and practices, including the use of improved rootstocks. This support is crucial for enabling farmers to transition to high-density planting and improve their yields. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) plays a vital role in developing and promoting agricultural technologies and practices. ICAR's Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (CITH) is actively involved in developing indigenous rootstocks that are specifically suited to the Himalayan climate. This research is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of apple farming in the region, particularly in the face of climate change.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been increased focus on promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the Himalayan region. The government has launched several initiatives to encourage farmers to adopt climate-resilient technologies and diversify their crops. These efforts are aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change on agriculture and ensuring food security for the region. The National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) is a key initiative that promotes climate-smart agricultural practices. NMSA focuses on improving soil health, water use efficiency, and crop productivity through various interventions, including the promotion of improved varieties and technologies. The mission also supports research and development efforts aimed at developing climate-resilient agricultural practices. Looking ahead, there is a growing emphasis on developing indigenous rootstocks that are specifically adapted to the Himalayan climate. ICAR-CITH is actively involved in this research, with the goal of developing rootstocks that can withstand the challenges of climate change and ensure the long-term sustainability of apple farming in the region. These efforts are expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the resilience of apple farmers and improving their livelihoods.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts about apple cultivation in Kashmir that are important for UPSC Prelims?

For UPSC Prelims, remember these key facts: Apple cultivation covers 1.08 lakh hectares in Kashmir, producing around 11 lakh tonnes. This provides livelihoods for about 27 lakh people. New rootstocks can potentially yield up to 40 tonnes per hectare, significantly higher than traditional methods.

Exam Tip

Focus on remembering the numbers related to area, production, and the number of people dependent on apple farming. These are frequently asked in prelims.

2. What are clonal rootstocks and why are they important for apple farming in Kashmir?

Clonal rootstocks are specific types of root systems (like M-9, MM-106, and MM-111) used in apple cultivation to improve productivity. They are important because they lead to higher yields, earlier fruiting, and better fruit quality compared to traditional methods. They also enable high-density planting.

3. What is the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and how does it support apple farmers in Kashmir?

The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) is a government scheme that supports farmers by providing subsidies and access to quality rootstocks. This helps them adopt new technologies and improve their apple production.

4. What are the potential economic benefits and drawbacks of adopting new rootstock technologies in Kashmir's apple industry?

The pros include increased yields, improved fruit quality, and higher income for farmers. The cons might involve the initial investment costs for new rootstocks and potential risks associated with climate change affecting the new varieties. There is also a risk of over-reliance on a few varieties.

5. Why is the adoption of new rootstock technologies in Kashmir's apple farming in the news recently?

The adoption of new rootstock technologies is in the news due to the need to improve apple production efficiency in Kashmir, which is crucial for local livelihoods. Rising costs, climate stress, and the potential for higher yields with new technologies are driving this shift.

6. What are the recent developments in developing indigenous apple rootstocks suitable for the Himalayan climate?

ICAR-CITH (Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture) is actively involved in developing indigenous rootstocks that are specifically suited to the changing Himalayan climate. This is aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience of apple farming in the region.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH): 1. It is a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at promoting holistic growth of the horticulture sector. 2. It provides financial assistance and technical support to farmers for adopting modern technologies and practices. 3. It exclusively focuses on the development of fruit crops. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: MIDH is indeed a centrally sponsored scheme promoting holistic growth of the horticulture sector. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The scheme provides financial and technical assistance to farmers for adopting modern technologies. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: MIDH covers fruits, vegetables, root & tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, cocoa and bamboo, not exclusively fruit crops.

2. Which of the following rootstocks are being adopted by apple farmers in Kashmir to improve productivity, as mentioned in the news? 1. M-9 2. MM-106 3. MM-111 Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • A.1 only
  • B.2 only
  • C.1, 2 and 3
  • D.1 and 2 only
Show Answer

Answer: C

The news explicitly mentions that clonal rootstocks like M-9, MM-106, and MM-111 are being adopted by apple farmers in Kashmir to improve productivity. These rootstocks lead to higher yields, earlier fruiting, and better fruit quality.

3. Assertion (A): New rootstock technologies are being adopted by apple farmers in Kashmir to improve productivity. Reason (R): These rootstocks lead to higher yields, earlier fruiting, and better fruit quality. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?

  • A.Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
  • B.Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
  • C.A is true but R is false
  • D.A is false but R is true
Show Answer

Answer: A

Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion. Apple farmers in Kashmir are adopting new rootstock technologies to improve productivity, and the reason for this adoption is that these rootstocks lead to higher yields, earlier fruiting, and better fruit quality.

Source Articles

New rootstocks promise faster, higher apple yields for Kashmir farms - The Hindu

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