The Declining Significance of Walnut Trees in our Horticulture Economy

Kashmir is a high-altitude region cradled by huge mountains on all sides. Its location and climate favour the production of a wide variety of crops and fruits, making horticulture one of the most important contributors to the region’s economy. Among the fruits grown here, apples hold primary importance due to their large-scale production, followed by other fruits, with walnuts being one of the significant traditional crops of the valley.

Kashmir is known for producing high-quality walnuts that remain in demand across India. There is a wide range of walnuts grown here—some with very thin shells that can be broken by hand and are considered premium quality, while others are extremely hard and are often used by some communities for religious rituals and rites. However, with apples and other fruits being cultivated on a much larger scale and generating higher returns, walnuts have gradually lost their economic significance in the valley.

One of the main reasons for this decline is the fall in walnut prices, largely due to the import of foreign walnuts into India. These imported varieties, often perceived as superior, have reduced the market share of Kashmiri walnuts. As a result, farmers do not receive adequate returns, and demand has declined to such an extent that many farmers are forced to store walnuts at home for years. Only recently have prices shown a slight improvement.

With walnuts no longer being profitable, many farmers have started cutting walnut trees because they occupy large spaces within apple orchards. In their place, apple trees are being planted to secure better and more consistent income. This is despite the fact that walnut trees generate revenue with minimal input, unlike apple trees, which require 10 to 15 pesticide sprays annually to maintain crop quality and standards. Walnut trees that have grown over hundreds of years are now being neglected, as they are no longer considered valuable within modern orchards.

Although the government has imposed a ban on the cutting of walnut trees and requires proper permission through official channels, many farmers still feel unable to retain them. Their priority is maximizing revenue from limited land, and compared to apples, walnuts are viewed as an unproductive use of space.

I believe that walnuts will regain their demand and market value in the coming years, and people will once again realize their importance and significance. Trees are not only a source of income but also add to the beauty and ecological balance of the region. For this reason, the preservation of walnut trees is essential.

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