Editorial photo #13556855 Economy, Business and Finance
Agriculture In Kashmir
A Kashmiri farmer sprays pesticides on apple trees in an orchard in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 10, 2026. Kashmir's agriculture sector, particularly apple farming, forms the backbone of its economy, sustaining a significant portion of the rural population. The region's vast orchards provide livelihoods to thousands of farming families and contribute substantially to local and national markets. The sector faces challenges such as unpredictable weather patterns and supply chain constraints. Meanwhile, the conflict in West Asia involving the United States, Israel, and Iran is driving a 20-25% increase in pesticide and crop protection chemical costs in India for the 2026 Kharif season. Supply chain disruptions and rising shipping costs through key routes are causing raw material shortages for Indian manufacturers, raising risks of supply shortages, reduced crop yields, and the proliferation of fake products. (Photo by Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto)
