Kathua, Aug 30: Farmers in the hilly regions of Bani, Kathua district, have commenced the annual harvesting of walnuts, a crop that forms a significant source of livelihood for local families. The harvest is viewed by cultivators as the culmination of a year’s dedicated effort and a vital economic contributor.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the agricultural communities in Bani engage in natural farming methods for cultivating walnuts. Following the harvest, the nuts undergo a meticulous cleaning and sun-drying process for approximately five to six days before they are brought to market. For many in the region, walnut cultivation is more than just an agricultural pursuit; it represents a sustained income stream and a deep connection to the land.
Madan Lal, a seasoned horticulturist with nearly 100 walnut trees, primarily of the Hamdan and Suleman varieties, reported an annual yield of up to 50,000 walnuts. He noted that walnut farming has been his primary occupation for the past three decades. Lal expressed that he finds significant inspiration in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s addresses concerning farmers and horticulture, particularly through the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio program, which motivates him to continue his work.
Another local cultivator, Adil, shared his annual anticipation for the walnut harvest. He described the eagerness with which farmers await the ripening of walnuts on the trees, signalling the start of the harvesting season. He also highlighted the pride associated with the cultivation, referring to the walnuts as “the fruit of a year’s hard work and a reflection of my deep connection to the land.”
According to District Horticulture Officer Mohammad Shakeel, approximately 3,000 families residing in the Bani area of Kathua district are substantially dependent on walnut production for their economic stability. Shakeel noted that while a single walnut can fetch around ₹3 in the market, the time taken for a sapling to mature and produce fruit is considerable. He added that a fully productive walnut tree can generate an income of approximately ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 per season.
Shakeel further emphasized the substantial potential for expanding walnut farming in the region. He confirmed that the Horticulture Department is actively engaged in supporting farmers and promoting the sector. Over the past two years, the department has focused its efforts on introducing and promoting the ‘Chandler’ walnut variety, which is recognized as a premium-quality type and holds promising prospects for the economic development of farmers in the area.
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