How are high-density orchards changing apple farming in Kashmir?

High-density orchards are increasing productivity and reducing the time to fruit production using modern rootstock technologies and efficient management techniques.

What are the benefits of new rootstock technologies for Kashmir's apples?

New rootstock technologies, like M-9, significantly reduce the time to bear fruit, increase yields up to 40 tonnes per hectare, and improve fruit quality.

Why is Kashmir shifting from traditional apple farming methods?

The shift is driven by rising costs, climate stress, delayed returns from traditional trees, and the need for more efficient and resilient farming practices.

Home / Business and Economy / Kashmir Apples: High-Tech Farming Boosts Yields

Kashmir Apples: High-Tech Farming Boosts Yields

12 Feb

•

Summary

High-density orchards double or quadruple apple yields per hectare.
New rootstock technologies significantly reduce fruit-bearing time.
Climate change and rising costs drive shift to modern apple farming.

Kashmir Apples: High-Tech Farming Boosts Yields

Kashmir's apple orchards are embracing modern rootstock technologies and high-density planting systems to overcome challenges like rising costs and climate stress. Traditional seedling-based trees are slow to bear fruit and have low yields, making them unviable for many farmers. In contrast, modern clonal rootstocks, such as M-9, can increase productivity to 40 tonnes per hectare and yield marketable fruit within 2-4 years, a significant improvement over the 6-8 years for traditional trees.

These advanced systems reduce tree size, enhance precocity, improve uniformity, and boost yield efficiency. Despite initial barriers like the availability of quality rootstocks and high capital costs, government schemes offer subsidies to support farmers. High-density orchards require precise management, including pruning and pest surveillance, but offer greater long-term returns and better fruit quality, essential as Kashmir adapts to warm winters and decreasing snowfall.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.