Kashmiri walnut to be declared organic, officially

Walnut in Kashmir is set to get organic certificate as the Horticulture Department has observed that most of the walnut grown in the Valley is raised organically with no chemical given to it.
Organic certified crops have been in high demand as pesticides and fertilisers are not used and sprays with carcinogenic elements are not given to the crops.
The department has formed clusters in each district, the number of which depends on the Chief Horticulture Officer. There will be between five and 10 members in each group who will self-certify walnut in Kashmir.
Horticulture Director PK Sharma said the names of walnut growers would be uploaded on the website of the National Centre for Organic Farming, dealing with organic cultivation.
“For three years, walnut growers will have to self-certify the produce. This will be followed by third party intervention, in which the crop and the nature of its cultivation will be inspected,” he said.
He added that he would hold workshops for these farmers to make them aware of the the benefits and techniques of organic farming.
“As walnut in Kashmir does not get fertiliser or pesticide so it is raised organically and deserves the best prices,” said Desh Beer Singh, acting Director, Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture in Srinagar. He welcomed the steps taken by the Horticulture Department.
Pulwama Chief Horticulture Officer Farooq Ahmad Mirza said he had already initiated the directions and formed 10 clusters with seven members each.
“Work is on to form clusters and all areas of the district have been given due consideration in the initiative,” he said. He added that the project would increase the demand for Kashmiri walnut in the international market and give a boost to cultivation of walnut, which otherwise was on the decline. Walnut growers lauded the initiative of the Horticulture Department and said such a project should have been taken earlier as walnut in Kashmir was grown organically by chance.