Jammu: The Government has informed the Legislative Assembly that 78 farmers in Beerwah Constituency have benefited under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) in the agriculture and horticulture sectors. The information was provided in a written reply, with scheme-wise details of beneficiaries placed in annexures before the House.
Beerwah continues to maintain a strong horticultural base, with apple cultivation forming the backbone of the local economy. According to official figures, apple orchards span approximately 2,387.6 hectares in the constituency. Of this, Red Delicious accounts for a dominant 2,298.3 hectares, reflecting its popularity and commercial viability in the region. Other apple varieties grown include Royal Delicious (Kulu), Golden Delicious, Gala Group, American, and Chambura Maharaji.
Apart from apples, pear cultivation covers around 55.55 hectares, including varieties such as Nakh and Bartlett. Plum cultivation, primarily the Santrosa variety, extends over 21.25 hectares. Cherry orchards, including Mishri and Double varieties, cover about 3.3 hectares, while apricot (Amba) cultivation also accounts for 3.3 hectares.
Walnut cultivation occupies a significant 639.88 hectares, indicating its importance as a long-term income-generating crop. Almond orchards cover 34.2 hectares. Other fruit crops such as pomegranate, grapes, and peach (local varieties) together account for 14.4 hectares. Overall, the total horticulture area in Beerwah Constituency stands at approximately 3,159.48 hectares, underscoring the sector’s vital role in sustaining livelihoods.
The government also highlighted measures taken to promote apiculture in Beerwah under HADP and related schemes. Over the last three years, 30 bee colonies have been distributed to eligible farmers. Additionally, one honey processing unit and a Common Hive Centre (CHC) have been established to enhance honey production and support pollination activities.
Farmers have also been provided with agricultural tool kits, while training and capacity-building programmes have been conducted to improve scientific management of bee colonies. Officials stated that these interventions have not only created supplementary income opportunities but have also enhanced pollination in agricultural and horticultural crops, contributing to better productivity.
