Kashmir valley hub of fruits

 Kashmir valley hub of fruits;

The Kashmir Valley is often called a "hub of fruits," because of its long history of agriculture and pleasant weather that favors the cultivation of a good range of fruits. The valley's pleasant climate, good soil, and water supply from the many rivers and streams make it a perfect place for fruit cultivation. Some of the most important fruits that are cultivated in Kashmir:

 

**Apples**

Kashmir is renowned for its **apples**, especially the **Kashmiri apple**, which comprises varieties such as **Delicious**, **Kulu** and **Kalpa**. Apples from the region are renowned for their crispness, sweetness, and quality, and they are in great demand both in India and abroad. The Kashmir Valley orchards yield some of the world's most valued apples.

 

**Cherries**

Kashmir is also among the principal producers of **cherries** in India. The **Kashmiri cherry**, particularly the **Burlat** variety, is renowned for its rich red color and sweet taste. The season for cherries in the valley is brief but eagerly awaited, with the fruit being a key export item.

 

 **Pears**

The region is also famous for cultivating fine-quality **pears**, especially **Bartlett pears**, which are cultivated in Kashmir's cool weather. The pears are juicy and possess a characteristic flavor that commands them great demand at local as well as international levels.

 

**Plums**

Plums are another fruit widely grown in the Kashmir Valley. The **Kashmiri plum** is a much-revered variety, and the rich, sweet, and tangy flavor of the fruit is greatly enjoyed. Orchards in the valley produce plums of various colors, from purple to yellow, and they are eaten extensively in summer.

 

**Apricots**

**Apricots** are cultivated in large numbers in the Kashmir Valley, especially in regions such as **Pahalgam** and **Kulgam**. The apricots of the valley are sweet in taste and are usually dried and exported, contributing to the export economy of the region.

 

**Peaches**

Kashmir also produces **peaches**, with varieties such as **Shan-e-Kashmir** being very popular. These peaches are bigger and juicier than the common varieties produced in other regions of India, and they are a significant summer fruit in the valley.

 

**Walnuts**

Though not a fruit, **walnuts** are a prime agricultural produce of the Kashmir Valley. The valley yields some of the finest quality **walnuts** in India, with exports in high volume to foreign countries. Walnut trees are common in the valley, and the nuts find widespread use in cooking, baking, and for medicinal purposes.

 

**Saffron**

Although not technically a fruit, **saffron** (the spice obtained from the flower *Crocus sativus*) is a significant agricultural crop of the Kashmir Valley. The valley yields high-quality saffron, which is utilized for culinary and medicinal uses. It's cultivated in particular districts such as Pampore, which is referred to as the "Saffron town."

 

**Grapes**

Kashmir also grows **grapes**, particularly in regions with a milder climate. The **black Kashmiri grapes** are renowned for their deep color and sweet taste, and the valley has been famous for its varieties adapted for both fresh use and winemaking.

 

**Strawberries**

The Kashmir Valley is also emerging as a hub for **strawberry cultivation**. The berry does well in the cooler climate of the region, and the crop has gained local popularity and is being exported in increasing amounts.

 

Climate and Agriculture in Kashmir

The varied climate of the valley, which varies from temperate to sub-tropical, supports the cultivation of dry fruits as well as fresh fruits. The irrigation supported by the **Jhelum River** and its tributaries is the major factor that supports the fertile agricultural landscape of the valley. The soil fertility and the region's elevation also support the high-quality produce.

 

Economic Significance

Fruits constitute a significant proportion of the Kashmir economy, and the produce of the region is a major source of revenue for farmers in the region. The fruit industry provides significant employment, right from orchard cultivation to packing, processing, and exporting of fruit. It also sustains ancillary industries, including dried fruit production and juice production.

 

In short, the Kashmir Valley is really a fruit bowl, and its climate and soil provide an excellent setup for the production of different fruits that are not only locally part of the cuisine but also financially important to the regional economy.