Srinagar, Sep 25: With olive cultivation in Uri facing challenges, including inadequate irrigation, the Jammu and Kashmir government has proposed a field research-cum-feasibility study to assess whether the border area can support large-scale commercial plantations of olive and other suitable non-fruit species.
The proposal was disclosed by the Agriculture Production Department in the J&K Legislative Assembly in response to a question raised by MLA Uri Dr Sajjad Shafi, who sought to know whether the government would undertake a scientific assessment of Uri’s potential for commercial plantations in view of the area’s limited traditional agriculture and horticulture opportunities.
According to the government’s reply, the study will be undertaken through the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST)- Kashmir, and will assess the suitability of Uri for large-scale plantations, particularly olive cultivation.
The study will not be confined to the suitability of the crop alone. The government said it would also examine the scope for demonstration plantations, nursery development and value-chain opportunities wherever found suitable.
Based on the findings, the government said an action plan for pilot plantations and subsequent scaling up of commercially viable plantation models would be considered in consultation with the concerned departments and stakeholders.
The proposed study assumes significance as olive cultivation in Uri has struggled to realise its potential amid local constraints, particularly the lack of adequate irrigation facilities.
The government’s decision to first assess the area scientifically could pave the way for identifying suitable locations, plantation models and supporting infrastructure before any large-scale expansion is undertaken.
Scientific studies have already established the potential of olive cultivation in suitable parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Research by agricultural scientists has evaluated multiple olive cultivars under the mid-hill conditions of J&K, with some varieties showing promising yield and oil-content characteristics.
For Uri, however, the proposed assessment is expected to determine whether the area’s agro-climatic conditions, availability of land and water resources and other local factors can support commercially viable olive plantations.
