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Tuesday, August 12, 2025

The Pecan Revolution: How Himalayan Farmers are Embracing a New Cash Crop

Pecan trees are native to North America, but their cultivation has been introduced in India, primarily in the Himalayan regions. The cultivation is still in its initial stages, but it is considered a potentially profitable venture for farmers in these areas.

In Himachal Pradesh alone, approximately 700 acres are dedicated to pecan cultivation in the Kullu, Mandi, Solan, and Kangra districts. Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir is also known as the "Pecans Capital of India."

Ideal Conditions for Pecan Farming:
Climate: Pecans thrive in warm, temperate conditions with long, frost-free growing seasons (240-280 days). They require a moderate rainfall of about 75-100 cm and prefer a mean temperature above 27°C during the growing season.

Soil: The trees need deep, fertile, well-drained soil with a good water-holding capacity. A slightly acidic pH between 5.5 and 7 is considered satisfactory.

Altitude: Pecan trees are well-suited to altitudes between 1,000 and 2,000 meters, making the Indian Himalayan regions ideal.

Cultivation Practices:
Propagation: Pecan trees are typically propagated from seeds. For better germination, seeds are stratified at low temperatures for 12-16 weeks before sowing. High-quality nurseries are being developed through vegetative propagation methods like budding and grafting.

Planting : Trees are planted in late winter or early spring, with a recommended spacing of 10-12 meters for optimal growth and air circulation.

Maturity and Yield: Pecan trees take time to mature. They may start producing a few nuts in 3-4 years, with significant production beginning in the ninth or tenth year. A mature tree can yield up to 30-35 kilograms of nuts annually.

Market Size and Trends in India
While local cultivation is limited, the market for pecans in India is growing rapidly, driven by increased health consciousness and rising disposable incomes. India is currently a net importer of pecans, with significant potential for market expansion.

Market Size and Growth:
The global pecan market was valued at approximately $2.02 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $3.64 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 6.1%.

The overall packaged nuts and seeds market in India is expected to reach $4.96 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.8% from 2024.

Specific data on the Indian pecan market is limited, but a significant indicator of its growth is the reduction of India's basic customs duty on pecans from 100% to 30% in 2023. This move is expected to boost U.S. pecan exports to India, with projections of annual exports potentially expanding to $2-5 million.

In 2022, the U.S. exported about 109 metric tons of pecans to India, valued at over $1.3 million.

Market Trends:
Premium Product: Pecans are positioned as a "luxury nut" in the Indian market, often endorsed by celebrities to appeal to affluent consumers.

Health and Wellness
: The growing awareness of the health benefits of nuts, such as their high nutritional value, antioxidants, and positive impact on heart health, is a key driver for consumption.

Culinary Applications: Pecans are increasingly used in the bakery and confectionery industries for products like cakes, ice creams, and other desserts.

Consumer Preferences: There is a growing demand for shelled and processed pecans for convenience. The trend of using nuts as a year-round snack, rather than just for specific festivals, is also contributing to market growth.

E-commerce: Online platforms and supermarkets are providing new avenues for marketing and sales, giving farmers and importers direct access to a wider consumer base.

Availability : Planting material/seeds 
WhatsApp : 9858986794
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
PO Box No : 40, GPO Srinagar JK 190001

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Profit from Chandler Walnuts: A Cash Crop for Kashmiri Farmers

The Chandler walnut is a popular variety known for its high yield, late budding, and excellent nut quality. It is a productive tree, widely used in commercial walnut orchards and agroforestry.
Key Characteristics:

High Yield:

Chandler trees are known for their high productivity. 

Late Budding and Flowering:
This helps protect the tree from late spring frosts, which can damage the crop. 

Excellent Nut Quality:
Chandler nuts are large, have a thin shell, and produce light-colored kernels. 

Lateral Bearing:
A significant portion of the tree's yield comes from lateral branches, which are the branches along the sides of the main branches. 

Moderate Growth
:
Chandler trees are moderately vigorous, developing a spherical, robust crown. 

Disease Resistance
:
The Chandler variety is known for its resistance to certain walnut diseases. 

Growing Chandler Walnuts
:
Planting: Chandler trees can be planted in various soil types, but they prefer light, sandy, well-drained soils. 

Pollination
Chandler trees are partially self-fertile, but using a pollinizer other Kashmiri local cultivar can improve yields. 

Pruning
Regular pruning can help manage the tree's size and shape. 

Harvest: Chandler walnuts are typically harvested in the fall. 

Climate: Chandler trees need a certain number of chill hours per year to produce well. Chandler Orchards says Chandler trees need 700 to 1000 chill hours per season. The appropriate chilling temperature is 32°F to 45°F (0°C to 7 °C). Sub-freezing temperatures, however, are not desired and can be harmful. 

In summary, the Chandler walnut is a popular choice for growers due to its high productivity, excellent nut quality, and resistance to frost damage. 

Availability : Planting materials
WhatsApp : 9858986794
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
POB 40 GPO Srinagar, JK 190001

Where to buy Chandler walnut trees,Bulk Chandler walnut trees for sale,Wholesale Chandler walnut saplings,Chandler walnut orchard starter plants,Commercial Chandler walnut tree suppliers,High-yield Chandler walnut trees for farming,


Ancient Beauty Secret: Myrtle Leaf in Natural Cosmetics

The leaves of the Myrtus communis (Himalayan  myrtle) plant have been used in traditional medicine, aromatherapy, and culinary applications for centuries.

Even though myrtle has been used as a hypnotic herb and a sedative by some cultures, its effects on the humans are still not known. Nevertheless, there have been numerous studies on its effects on mice and rats. According to the findings of the study, the animals that took extract of myrtle slept more often and their muscles were relaxed. It has also shown that the myrtle extract has anti-anxiety properties.
Myrtle trees in Kashmir

Availability : Plant/Seed/Fruit/Leaves
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e-mail : jkmpic@gmail.com

Monday, August 4, 2025

From Fields to Pharmacy: The Story of Capsella bursa-pastoris in Kashmir

Shepherd's purse, scientifically known as Capsella bursa-pastoris, is a small, annual wildflower with a long history of both culinary and medicinal uses. It's characterized by its heart-shaped seed pods and is known for its ability to thrive in diverse environments. 
Capsella bursa-pastoris Kashmir

Availability : Seed/plant
Seeds : US# 350  (500 seeds pkt)
WhatsApp: +91-9858986794
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com

Chinar Tree Seeds: A Complete Guide to Growing Kashmir’s Iconic Tree

 

Chinar Kashmir

Chinar Trees in Kashmir are one of the most iconic and culturally significant natural symbols of the region. 

Availability : 100-1000 Seeds pkt
WhatsApp : +91-9858986794
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com

Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre: From Seed to Survival: Growing Podophyllum hexandr...

Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre: From Seed to Survival: Growing Podophyllum hexandr...: Podophyllum hexandrum , also known as the Himalayan May Apple , is a medicinal plant with a variety of uses, primarily in traditional medic...
Podophyllum hexandrum in Kashmir

Specific Uses:
Anticancer : Podophyllotoxin, found in the rhizomes, is a key ingredient in the synthesis of drugs like etoposide and teniposide, which are used in the treatment of various cancers including lung cancer, leukemia, and other solid tumors. 

Skin Diseases : The crushed leaves and roots are used to treat skin diseases, rashes, and eczema. 

Digestive Issues : Ripe fruit juice is traditionally used for stomach ulcers and dyspepsia, and the fruit itself is eaten raw for chest congestion and gastric problems. 

Purgative and Laxative : The rhizome powder is used as a purgative and laxative, and the resin is used in veterinary medicine as a cathartic for dogs. 

Traditional Medicine : In various regions, it is used to treat a wide range of ailments including colds, constipation, septic wounds, burning sensations, erysipelas, mental disorders, plague, allergic and inflammatory skin conditions, and even some forms of cancer. 

Other : The pericarp of the mature red fruit is used to treat eye wounds in cattle. 

Availability : 50, 100,500 seeds pkt
WhatsApp : 9858986794
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com 

Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre: From Forest to Farm: Cultivating Chestnut Trees fo...

Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre: From Forest to Farm: Cultivating Chestnut Trees fo...: Chestnut trees can grow in Kashmir , but there are important details to consider regarding species, climate suitability, and current cultiv...

The Pecan Revolution: How Himalayan Farmers are Embracing a New Cash Crop

Pecan trees are native to North America, but their cultivation has been introduced in India, primarily in the Himalayan regions . The culti...