Udhampur, J&K (India): A retired Army serviceman from Bian village in Chenani block of Udhampur district has set an example by turning his ancestral land into a successful kiwi orchard, demonstrating the potential of high-value horticulture as an alternative source of income.
Mohammad Aslam Butt, who served in the Army for nearly 20 years, initially took up traditional farming after retirement. After successfully cultivating vegetables, he explored kiwi cultivation and travelled to Himachal Pradesh to learn about its production techniques and suitable growing conditions.
After returning, Aslam procured kiwi saplings from Himachal Pradesh and established an orchard on his land with the support of the Department of Horticulture. He received assistance and subsidies under departmental schemes for saplings, pit digging, iron structures, drip irrigation and water storage tanks.
Initially, kiwi cultivation was started on around two to two-and-a-half kanals, which has now expanded to approximately six kanals. The orchard produced its first fruit in the second year, while the third year brought a satisfactory harvest in terms of fruit size and quality.
Aslam said that when he first sent his produce to the Jammu market, he received around ₹250 per kilogram, while individual fruits fetched approximately ₹25–30 depending on their size. Now in its fifth year, the orchard has around 65 plants and produces nearly 18–20 quintals of quality kiwi annually, which is mainly sold in the Jammu market.
He said the region has considerable potential for kiwi cultivation due to its moderate climate, which allows farmers to supply fruit during periods when production in lower-altitude areas declines and crops in higher areas are yet to mature.
Encouraging farmers, particularly youth, to adopt modern farming techniques, Aslam said scientific and diversified cultivation can provide better returns and create new livelihood opportunities. He also urged young people to explore high-value crops such as kiwi, dragon fruit and avocado alongside traditional farming.
Aslam said harvesting of the current crop would begin in the coming days. Although the initial investment in kiwi cultivation is relatively high, he said the orchard can generate good returns once it becomes fully established. He also offered to share his experience and provide guidance to farmers interested in kiwi cultivation.
Chief Horticulture Officer Brij Vallabh Gupta said kiwi cultivation is being promoted in Udhampur district through various Central and Jammu and Kashmir government schemes. He described Aslam’s orchard as an inspiration for farmers and youth in the district.
Gupta said Aslam’s orchard is expected to produce around 20–25 quintals of kiwi this year, generating estimated revenue of ₹ 6–7 lakh.
According to the Chief Horticulture Officer, kiwi was planted on more than 100 kanals in the district last year, while the total area under kiwi cultivation has now reached approximately 150 kanals, involving around 25–30 farmers.
The department also plans to send selected farmers to the Zero Valley of Arunachal Pradesh for training in modern kiwi cultivation technology. The techniques learnt during the training will subsequently be shared with local farmers and youth.
The department said kiwi cultivation has significant potential, particularly in areas located above 900 metres altitude. It plans to expand cultivation by planting kiwi trees on an additional 150 kanals or more between December and January.
The initiative is aimed at encouraging farmers to adopt high-value horticultural crops while creating new avenues for income and local employment for the youth.