Chinese walnuts hit Kashmir’s walnut sector; sales down from 1.70 lakh MTs in 2020 to 30,000 MTs in 2024

Srinagar: The once-thriving walnut industry in Kashmir is facing a severe crisis as demand for its naturally organic walnuts has sharply declined over the past four years.

Growers and traders are deeply concerned as, according to them, sales have dropped drastically from 1.70 lakh metric tonnes in 2020 to a mere 30,000 metric tonnes in 2024. The primary reasons behind this decline include the influx of cheaper Chinese walnuts, inadequate processing facilities, and weak marketing strategies.

As per price trends in local Srinagar markets, Kashmiri organic walnuts are currently priced between Rs 700-800 per kilogram, while Chinese walnuts sell for nearly half the price at Rs 350-400 per kilogram.

This stark price difference is being attributed to to China’s largely mass production methods, which rely heavily on chemical fertilizers, allowing for large-scale exports at lower costs.

A critical challenge for Kashmir’s walnut industry is the lack of processing units to enhance the quality of the produce after harvest. Experts explain that while Kashmiri walnuts are rich in oil, their natural color does not turn white due to insufficient processing, making them less attractive in both domestic and international markets.

Official data from the Horticulture Marketing Department reveals that only 15% of walnuts are currently being sold through formal channels.

Official sources reveal that the absence of a proper grading system and the failure to promote organic certification have further worsened the situation.

To revive the industry, the Horticulture Department has launched new initiatives aimed at supporting the annual production of 2 lakh metric tonnes across 70,000 hectares. Key measures include establishing processing units, securing organic certification and Geographical Indication (GI) tags, improving marketing efforts, and implementing a stronger grading system.

District-wise production figures highlight significant disparities, with Anantnag leading at 11,915 metric tonnes, followed by Kupwara at 8,824 metric tonnes and Ganderbal at 5,454 metric tonnes. Other districts like Pulwama, Budgam, Kulgam, Shopiya, and Srinagar contribute smaller but notable quantities.

Wholesale traders like Abdul Rahim Banday from South Kashmir’s Pulwama pointed out additional challenges, noting that nearly 10% of Kashmiri walnuts turn out empty upon cracking, and their smaller size makes them less appealing compared to the larger kernels of Chinese walnuts. The harder shell of Kashmiri walnuts has also contributed to declining demand.

Efforts, as per the officials, are underway to boost production through research on high-yielding mountain varieties. Under the Krishi Samagra Vikas Yojana, the government is promoting walnut cultivation and plans to provide farmers with essential facilities, including processing units. The department is also working on obtaining GI tags to enhance the marketability of Kashmiri walnuts once processing improves. —(KNO)