Unlike traditional apple orchards, which take eight to ten years to yield fruit, the high-density apple varieties supported by central and Union Territory horticulture programmes begin bearing fruit within a year, providing farmers with quicker returns and enhanced productivity.

Sansar Chand received a 50 per cent subsidy through UT CAPEX and central government schemes to establish his orchard with an estimated planting density of 166 plants per kanal.

Speaking about the difference from traditional methods, Chand said, “The apple trees we planted using traditional farming methods would take 8-10 years to bear fruit. However, this Central Government scheme, which introduces new, high-density saplings, yields fruit the very next year. So, I’ve planted six kanals of apple trees, and they are all of good variety. Young people should also pursue this work. Using the new scheme and technology, there are significant benefits. The government has provided nets to protect against hailstorms and parrots eating the fruit. The government has also installed a drip system. They even took us on a tour to Himachal Pradesh to show us how gardening is done there.”

Chief Horticulture Officer Brij Vallabh Gupta commended Sansar Chand for his successful adoption of high-density apple and kiwi farming in Udhampur, describing him as an inspiration for younger generations. He noted the region’s favourable climate for horticulture and the department’s role in promoting modern techniques.

Gupta stated, “This is a remote area of Udhampur district, and it has a congenial climate for apple farming. We had been making people aware of this method, and we have achieved success today. One of our farmers, Sansar, planted 6 kanals of high-density apples and 4 kanals of Kiwis. He is 60 years old. Even at this age, he is doing this work. He has taken a subsidy from the government. He is an example for the younger generation to adopt this method.”

Local resident Kuldeep Kumar also praised the horticulture department’s initiatives, emphasising the value of field-level support in helping farmers adopt modern techniques.

He said, “It’s heartening to see the work the Horticulture Department is doing these days. Their officers personally tour the villages, inspect the plantations, and enable digging trenches. The trees being planted now are high-density trees. They begin fruiting and flowering within a year. Thank you very much to the Government of India. They’ve been incredibly helpful, and our state government have also supported them.”