• Kashmir’s farmers are celebrating a bumper almond harvest this season, bringing both economic relief and cultural joy to the region. Almond cultivation thrives in colder climates, with Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand providing favourable conditions due to their hilly terrains.
• Globally, the USA, Spain, Australia, and Turkey lead in almond production, while India’s Kashmir valley has historically been known for its almond orchards. Almonds, grown in both sweet and bitter varieties, are widely used in sweets, beverages, oil extraction, and health foods.
• Despite the success, challenges remain in the form of erratic weather, shrinking farmland, cheaper imports, and limited farming technology. Experts suggest policy support, modern irrigation, and better market access to strengthen India’s almond industry further.