Srinagar, Sept 5 (ANI): Almond growers and orchard owners in the Kashmir Valley are a delighted lot, as they are expecting a bumper yield this year, thanks to favourable weather conditions.
Speaking to mediapersons here, the owner of an almond orchard, Abdul Rasheed, said production of almonds has increased by 20 to 30 percent in the current year.
"Last year, due to a heavy downpour, our production was low, but this year, the production of almonds has increased by 20 to 30 percent. The almonds are found in two districts of Kashmir - Pulwama and Budgam. The almonds of Kashmir are known for their quality and taste," Rasheed said.
Manzoor Ahmad, an agronomist attached with the Department of Horticulture, said that due to favourable climatic conditions, production might reach 17,000 to 18,000 metric tonnes this year.
"As compared to last year, this year production is good. Last year, the production of almonds was around 12,000 metric tonnes. This year, we expect it to reach 17,000 to 18,000 metric tonnes. Due to favourable weather conditions, the flowering was also good and as a result this has boosted the business," he said.
Shalimar, Makdoon and Waris are some of the varieties of almonds that are grown in Kashmir.
The state ranks first in India for the annual production of almonds, mostly grown in Pulwama and Budgam districts. (ANI)
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