New Delhi, Apr 8 (PTI) Government think tank NITI Aayog on Wednesday pitched for 'Operation Golden Greens' - a project for the horticultural sector's transformation in Jammu and Kashmir and increase exports of apple, walnut, almond and saffron.

The report, titled 'Roadmap for Horticulture Development in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir', further said that J&K's horticultural products pose significant global trade potential.

"However, India's presence in global markets for these commodities remains limited, with increasing import dependence and stagnant or declining exports," it said.

Outlining the roadmap to enhance production of horticultural products in J&K, the Aayog said that there will be five sub-missions, dedicated to dry fruits, fresh fruits, vegetables, floriculture and minor crops, with each sub-mission built on twelve identified common components but with differentiated priorities, allocations and activities aligned to its respective value chain and regional potential.

"It will be implemented in three phases, with Phase 1 extending from 2026-30, Phase 2 from 2030-35 and Phase 3 from 2035-47," the report said.

According to the report, short-term (2026-28) and medium-term (2028-30) measures will fall within Phase 1, while long-term actions (2031 onwards) are implemented through Phases 2 and 3.

The report noted that initiatives such as the Indian International Kashmir Saffron Park and dedicated branding campaigns can help secure premium positioning in global markets for saffron.

"Strengthening domestic production by increasing area in non-traditional areas with the support of irrigation systems and improved planting material, enhancing quality, and improving market linkages could help boost India's share in the global saffron trade," it said.

The report noted that enhancing apple production in Jammu and Kashmir requires a combination of import substitution strategies and export promotion efforts to strengthen the domestic apple industry.

"This includes enhancing domestic apple production through improved quality and productivity, reducing post-harvest losses by expanding storage and cold-chain infrastructure and establishing modern grading, packaging, processing and CA storage facilities, promoting high-density apple plantations to improve yield and land productivity and strengthening export competitiveness through better varieties, mechanisation of apple orchards, branding and improved market access," it said.

The report pointed out that over the past four decades, the area under fruit cultivation (fresh and dry) has expanded from 1.31 lakh hectare in 1980 to 3.44 lakh ha in 2022, registering a CAGR of 2.33 per cent, while the production of fruits has increased over fivefold, from 5.6 lakh tonnes in 1980 to 27.22 lakh tonnes in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 3.82 per cent.

However, it said the productivity has risen at a slower pace, from 4.3 tonne per hectare in 1980 to 7.91 tonne/ha in 2022, with a CAGR of only 1.46 per cent. PTI BKS HVA