Geography of J&K — Agriculture & Irrigation

Figure 1: Agriculture & Irrigation of Jammu & Kashmir — frequently tested in JKSSB and UPSC examinations.

1. Introduction & Cropping Seasons

• Agriculture: The practice of cultivating the soil to produce crops and domestication of animals.
• The staple crop of the valley is Rice, which formed the chief food of the people.
• Given its temperate climate, it is suited for crops like asparagus, artichoke, seakale, broad beans, scarlet runners, beetroot, cauliflower, and cabbage.
• Jammu plain has a high concentration of wheat, rice, maize, pulses, fodder, and oilseeds.
• Basmati rice and Rajmash (pulses) are valuable cash crops of the Jammu region.

KNOWLEDGE NUGGET

• Temperate Kashmir Valley Zone: Also known as 'Cultivator's Paradise'
• Kharif Crops: Sown May-July, Harvested September-October (Rice, Maize, Cotton, Saffron)
• Rabi Crops: Sown October-December, Harvested February-April (Wheat, Barley, Mustard)
• Zaid Crops: March-June (Muskmelon, Watermelon, Cucurbitaceae)

CROPPING SEASONS

Season	Sowing	Harvesting	Examples
Kharif	May-July	September-October	Rice, Maize, Cotton, Saffron, Tobacco, Millet, Pulses
Rabi	October-December	February-April	Wheat, Barley, Opium (Poppy), Rape, Flax, Beans
Zaid	March-June	March-June	Muskmelon, Watermelon, Bitter Gourd, Pumpkin

2. Agro-Climatic Zones

AGRO-CLIMATIC ZONES OF J&K & LADAKH

Zone	Areas	Key Crops/Features
Low altitude subtropical (JK-1)	Jammu, Kathua, Samba, parts of Poonch/Rajouri	Wheat, Rice, Maize, Pulses, Fodder, Oilseeds
Mid to high altitude intermediate (JK-2)	Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch	Subtropical-temperate transition
Mid to high altitude temperate (JK-3)	Kashmir Valley region	Staple crop: Paddy; Saffron, Apples, Walnuts
Cold arid (JK-4)	UT of Ladakh	Barley, Grim; Livestock: Yak, Pashmina goat

3. Saffron

• Saffron (Crocus sativus) is the slender, dried, reddish-brown, flattened stigma of the cultivated saffron plant.
• Also known as Zafran, Kesar, Koung or Kang Posh (in Kashmiri).
• It is a cash crop cultivated on the Karewas (Wudar) where the soil is alluvial and lacustrine.
• Perfect weather conditions: Dry summers and rainy days.
• Perfect temperature: 6°C to 19°C.
• Rainfall: Uniform distribution of approximately 760mm for high-quality crop.
• India is the second-largest producer of saffron in the world after Iran.

SAFFRON — KEY FACTS

• Pampore Karewa is famous worldwide for saffron cultivation.
• National Mission on Saffron: Aims to increase productivity in J&K.
• NECTAR: North East Centre For Technology Application and Reach — pilot project for saffron cultivation in North East (Sikkim).
• Golden Zest: In Indian agriculture, the cultivation activity of saffron is also known as 'Golden Zest'.

4. Rice

• Rice is the staple food of Kashmiris.
• It is a Kharif crop — sown in March-April and harvested in autumn.
• Temperature: 20°C to 35°C.
• Rainfall: About 100 cm or irrigation facilities.
• Cold tolerant and blast resistant varieties: Koshar, Shalimar Rice 1, K 332, K 429 (hills); Jhelum, Chenab (plains).

BASMATI RICE

• Queen of Fragrance — long grain size (at least 7mm).
• Areas: RS Pura, Bishnah, Jammu, Akhnoor, Samba, Hiranagar, Kathua.
• Major variety: Ranbir Basmati (accounts for 69% of basmati acreages in J&K).
• Cropping season: Mid-June to end of November (175 days).

5. Wheat

• It is a Rabi crop.
• Temperature: 15°C - 20°C.
• Rainfall: 25-75 cm.
• Can be cultivated up to 3,000 m above sea level.
• Soil: Well-drained loamy and clayey soils.
• Important wheat producing areas: Kathua, Ranbir Singh Pura (RS Pura), Samba, Reasi.
• SKUAST developed short-duration wheat and maize varieties named Shalimar.

6. Maize

• Maize is the major crop of Jammu and Kashmir in terms of acreage.
• Temperature: 21°C - 27°C.
• Rainfall: 50-100 cm.
• It is a Kharif crop — sown in May-July, harvested in August-November.
• Cultivated on Karewa lands in the valley of Kashmir on about 303,000 acres.
• Leading maize producing districts: Kupwara, Baramulla, Budgam, Anantnag.
• J&K Varieties: Composite C5 (Trikuta), Composite C6 (Shalimar), Composite C8, Composite C14, Composite C15, Super Composite -1 (Mansar), Shalimar KG maize -1, Shalimar KG maize -2.

7. Apple

• Apple was introduced in India by the British in Kullu valley in 1865.
• The cultivar "Ambri" is considered indigenous to Kashmir.
• Jammu & Kashmir is the largest producer of apples — contributes about 75% of total production in India.
• Major apple-producing districts: Baramulla (top), Kupwara, Shopian, Kulgam.
• Agro-climatic requirements:
  • Altitude: 1,500-2,700 m.
  • Chilling: 1,000-1,500 hours (temperature at or below 7°C).
  • Growing season temperature: 21-24°C.
  • Rainfall: 100-125 cm.
  • Soil: Loamy soils, rich in organic matter, pH 5.5 to 6.5.

APPLE — KEY FACTS

• Largest producer: Baramulla
• Most commercial variety: Red Delicious
• Most commercially used pollinizing variety: Golden Delicious
• Spur type varieties: Silver Spur, Gold Spur, Red Chief, Oregon Spur, Well Spur, Bright-X-Early, Super Chief
• J&K Apple Varieties: Golden Delicious (Late Season), Lal Ambri, Mollies Delicious, Starkrimson, Red June, Irish Peach, Benoni, Tydeman's Early
• China: Largest apple producing country (over 50% of world production)
• India: 6th largest apple producer in the world, 2nd in Asia after China

8. Walnut

• Locally called Doovn or Doen.
• J&K contributes about 95% of total walnut exports from India.
• Major export destinations: France, Netherlands, UK, Germany, UAE.
• Largest walnut producing area: Kupwara (overtaken Shopian).
• Altitude: 900-3500 meters.
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile, deep clay-loam with high quantity of lime and humus.
• Harvesting: Mid-August to mid-October (autumn/Harud season).
• Walnut tree lifespan: First fruit after 10-15 years; matures at 20-25 years; yields until 100 years.
• Walnut Varieties: Lake English, Drainovsky, Opex Caulchery.

GLOBAL RANKING

• Globally, India stands eighth in terms of walnut production.

9. Other Fruits

PEARS

• Soil: Loamy soil rich in organic matter.
• Temperature: Can withstand -25°C to 40°C+.
• Highest producer: Budgam, followed by Kupwara.
• Production: 86,000 metric tonnes/year.
• Varieties: Babgosh pear, Nakh, Koternal, China Pear, Beurre-de-Amanalis, Citron-des-Carmis, Clapp's Favourite, Doyenne Bussoch, Gent Drouard, Fertility, Chinese Sandy Pear, William Bartlett, Beurre Hardy, Starkrimson, Vicar of Winkfield.

ALMONDS

• Budgam district is known for high-quality almond produce.
• Varieties: Shalimar, Makhdoom, Waris, Kagzi (almond with softshell).

PEACHES

• Soil: Deep, well-drained, sandy loamy soils rich in organic matter.
• Varieties: Sahranpuri, Peshawari, Elberta, Red Globe, Gloheaven, Crest heaven.

PLUMS

• Soil: Medium to deep loam soils.
• Types: European Prune type and Japanese types.
• Varieties: Harp's Early, Mariposa, Formosa, Santa Rosa, Satsuma, Wickson, Burbank, Grand Duke, President, Italian prune.

APRICOTS

• Soil: Sandy loamy soils.
• Varieties: Charmagz, Kaisha, New Castle, Chantry, Frogmore Early, Gigati Sweet, Halman, Haroot, Ogrand, CITI-Chantry 1, 2 & 3, Amba, Quetta, Raqtsey Karpo, Tiltan.

CHERRY

• J&K produces more than 95% of the total country's production of commercial varieties of cherries.
• Four varieties: Double, Makhmali, Mishri*, Italy.
• Mishri: Most expensive and sweetest.
• Harvesting: May and June.
• First commercial shipment of Mishri cherries exported to Dubai (July 2021).

10. Purple Revolution — Lavender

• Purple Revolution: Jammu & Kashmir's contribution to Start-ups India.
• Location: Doda district — 500 farmers shifted from maize to lavender cultivation.
• Incomes quadrupled.
• Aroma Mission: CSIR Aroma Mission of Union Ministry of Science & Technology.
• Main product: Lavender oil — sells for at least ₹10,000 per litre.
• Key bodies: CSIR and IIIM Jammu.

11. Gucchi Mushroom (Morel)

• Scientifically named Marchella esculenta.
• Locally called "Thuntoo".
• Also known as "May Mushrooms" in North America.
• Price: 500 grams cost Rs. 18,000.
• Cannot be cultivated commercially — grow in conifer forests.
• Found in: Doda, Kupwara, Pahalgam, Shopian, Kishtwar, Poonch.
• Annual production: About 45 tonnes.
• Health benefits: Rich in Vitamin-D, antioxidants, potassium, copper.
• GI Tag: Govt. of J&K sought GI Tag for Guchhi in 2020.

12. Floriculture & Sericulture

FLORICULTURE

• Subtropical zone: Jammu, Kathua, Udhampur, Rajouri — Marigold, Gladiolus, Tuberose.
• Intermediate zone: Kathua, Udhampur, Rajouri — Off-season flowers.
• Temperate zone: Kishtwar, Poonch, Doda, Kathua — Tulip, Carnation, Gerbera.
• Department of Floriculture works on Ornamental and Commercial floriculture.

SERICULTURE

• Silk-fibre: Known as 'Pote' in Kashmiri.
• Major silk producing districts: Anantnag, Kupwara, Pulwama, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Udhampur, Rajouri, Reasi, Kathua.
• Epidemic 'Pebrin': Reached Kashmir in 1878, wiped out silk industry.
• Directorate of Sericulture: Established in 1897 under C. W. Walton.
• Central Silkworm Seed Station: Pampore (1958).
• Silk Industry: Patronized by Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin.

13. Irrigation

METHODS OF IRRIGATION

• Canals: Most important system; about 486,072 acres irrigated by canals in Kashmir.
• Lift Irrigation: Pumping water to higher levels.
• Lever System: About 6,000 wells working in the valley.

IMPORTANT CANALS IN KASHMIR

• Martand Canal: Oldest canal (50 km); irrigates 9.5 thousand acres; takes water from Liddar at Ganeshpora.
• Shakful Canal: Takes water from Nullah Sind; irrigates from Manigam to Safapore; used for electric power.
• Sharabkul Canal: Takes water from Harwan Lake; flows to Chashmashahi.
• Lalkul Canal: Takes water from Nullah Pohru; irrigates 7500 acres.
• Zainagir Canal: 47 km; takes water from Madhumati; irrigates 13,300 acres.
• Zarkul Canal: Takes water from Nullah Sind; irrigates 20,000 acres; constructed by Zain-ul-Abidin.
• Nur Canal: Model of canal constructed by Suyya during Avantivarman's reign.

14. JKSSB Previous Year Questions

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

Q1. J&K is the largest producer of which fruit in India?

• A) Apple
• B) Mango
• C) Banana
• D) Orange

Q2. The most commercial variety of apple in J&K is:

• A) Golden Delicious
• B) Red Delicious
• C) Ambri
• D) Starkrimson

Q3. The largest apple-producing district in J&K is:

• A) Baramulla
• B) Shopian
• C) Kupwara
• D) Kulgam

Q4. The largest walnut-producing area in J&K is:

• A) Shopian
• B) Kupwara
• C) Baramulla
• D) Anantnag

Q5. Saffron is cultivated on which type of soil?

• A) Alluvial soil
• B) Lacustrine soil
• C) Karewa soil (Wudar)
• D) Black soil

Q6. India is the second-largest producer of saffron in the world after:

• A) Turkey
• B) Iran
• C) Spain
• D) Greece

Q7. The oldest canal in Kashmir is:

• A) Martand Canal
• B) Zainagir Canal
• C) Lalkul Canal
• D) Nur Canal

Q8. The Purple Revolution in J&K is associated with the cultivation of:

• A) Saffron
• B) Lavender
• C) Apple
• D) Walnut

Q9. Gucchi mushroom is locally called:

• A) Kang Posh
• B) Thuntoo
• C) Doovn
• D) Pote

Q10. Basmati rice is known as:

• A) Golden Zest
• B) Queen of Fragrance
• C) Cultivator's Paradise
• D) King of Fruits

Q11. The temperate Kashmir Valley zone is also known as:

• A) Land of Lamas
• B) Cultivator's Paradise
• C) Venice of East
• D) City of Temples

Q12. Mishri is a variety of:

• A) Apple
• B) Cherry
• C) Almond
• D) Walnut

Q13. The Central Silkworm Seed Station in J&K is located at:

• A) Srinagar
• B) Pampore
• C) Jammu
• D) Anantnag

Q14. The crop that is the staple food of Kashmiris is:

• A) Rice
• B) Wheat
• C) Maize
• D) Barley

Q15. The Directorate of Sericulture in J&K was established in:

• A) 1889
• B) 1897
• C) 1907
• D) 1958

15. Summary: Agriculture at a Glance

Crop/Fruit	Key Facts
Apple	75% of India's production; Baramulla largest; Red Delicious most commercial
Walnut	95% of India's exports; Kupwara largest; harvested in Harud
Saffron	2nd largest producer; cultivated on Karewa; Golden Zest
Rice	Staple food; Kharif crop; Ranbir Basmati in Jammu
Cherry	95% of India's production; Mishri most expensive
Gucchi Mushroom	Thuntoo; Rs. 18,000/500g; cannot be cultivated commercially
Lavender (Purple Revolution)	Doda; CSIR Aroma Mission; Lavender oil ₹10,000/litre
Pear	Budgam highest producer; 86,000 MT/year
Maize	Major crop by acreage; Kharif; SKUAST varieties

Key Takeaways for JKSSB & UPSC

• Apple: 75% of India's production; Baramulla largest; Red Delicious most commercial
• Walnut: 95% of India's exports; Kupwara largest; harvested in Harud
• Saffron: 2nd largest producer after Iran; Pampore Karewa; Golden Zest
• Cherry: 95% of India's production; Mishri most expensive
• Basmati: Queen of Fragrance; Ranbir Basmati major variety
• Gucchi: Thuntoo; ₹18,000/500g; GI Tag sought in 2020
• Purple Revolution: Lavender in Doda; CSIR Aroma Mission
• Martand Canal: Oldest canal in Kashmir (50 km)
• NECTAR: Saffron pilot project in North East
• Sericulture: Pote; Directorate established 1897; Central Silkworm Seed Station at Pampore

High-Yield Interactive UPSC & JKSSB Quiz (Agriculture & Irrigation)

Q1. J&K contributes approximately what percentage of India's apple production?

Correct Answer: C. Jammu & Kashmir is the largest producer of apples in India and contributes about 75% of the total production.

Q2. The most commercial variety of apple in J&K is:

Correct Answer: B. The most commercial variety of apple in J&K is Red Delicious. Golden Delicious is the most commercially used pollinizing variety.

Q3. India is the second-largest producer of saffron in the world after:

Correct Answer: B. India is the second-largest producer of saffron in the world after the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Q4. The oldest canal in Kashmir is:

Correct Answer: B. The Martand Canal is the oldest canal in Kashmir. It is about 50 km long and takes its water from the river Liddar at Ganeshpora.

Q5. The Purple Revolution in J&K is associated with:

Correct Answer: B. The Purple Revolution is associated with lavender cultivation in Doda district. It is Jammu & Kashmir's contribution to Start-ups India under the CSIR Aroma Mission.

Q6. Gucchi mushroom is locally called:

Correct Answer: B. Gucchi mushroom is locally called "Thuntoo". It cannot be cultivated commercially and is highly expensive (₹18,000 for 500 grams).

Q7. The temperate Kashmir Valley zone is also known as:

Correct Answer: B. The temperate Kashmir Valley Zone of the agro-climatic zone of Kashmir is also known as 'Cultivator's Paradise'.

Q8. Mishri is a variety of:

Correct Answer: B. Mishri is the most expensive and sweetest variety of cherry produced in J&K. The first commercial shipment of Mishri cherries was exported to Dubai in July 2021.

Q9. The Central Silkworm Seed Station in J&K is located at:

Correct Answer: B. The Central Silkworm Seed Station was established at Pampore (Kashmir) in 1958 wherein existing silkworm races were transferred for maintaining them scientifically.

Q10. J&K contributes what percentage of India's total cherry production?

Correct Answer: C. The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir produces more than 95% of the total country's production of commercial varieties of cherries.