Kashmir Losing Paddy Lands to Rapid Orchard Expansion

The vast stretches of Kashmir's fertile paddy land, once the backbone of the Valley's food system, are steadily giving way to high-density apple orchards, residential colonies and commercial structures.

- Observer News Service

While the shift has brought higher short-term incomes for some growers, experts warn it is pushing Kashmir towards dangerous dependence on other states for its most basic staple: rice.

Across several villages in Pulwama district-Achan, Armula, Nowpora, Lassipora, Litter, Niloora and Allaie Pora-locals estimate that more than 50 per cent of cultivable land has already been diverted away from paddy cultivation in the last few years.

Similar patterns are being reported from Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian, Budgam and parts of Central Kashmir, indicating that the trend is not localised but Valley-wide.

High-density apple plantations, promoted as a modern and lucrative alternative to traditional farming, have expanded rapidly over the past decade. Many farmers say the move was driven by shrinking profits from paddy cultivation, rising labour costs and limited government support.

However, agricultural experts caution that the continuous conversion of food-producing land is eroding Kashmir's food sovereignty.