Bio-diversity In Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh: Ecological Profile

Revision as of 19:37, 4 February 2014

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Bio-diversity in Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh

By the Department of Forests, Government of Jammu and Kashmir

Cropland ecosystem

Agriculture and allied activities constitute the main occupation of people living in Jammu & Kashmir. About 60% of the population is directly or indirectly dependent on Cropland Ecosystem. The state reflects uniqueness in terms of hill and valley area agriculture, aquaculture, horticulture, sheep rearing and animal husbandry, carpet weaving, embroidery and handicrafts. Agriculture and animal husbandry including sheep rearing is practiced from the sub-tropical belt of Jammu to the cold-desert zone of Ladakh. The area under crop cultivation in the state is about 9.7 lakh hectares and the pastureland extends to 1.3 lakh hectares. The Kashmir region is a large valley with natural springs, streams, lakes, pastures and orchards. Here cultivation and domestication of various plant and animal varieties is unique. Many of the forms are peculiar to the region and are world famous.

The main agricultural crops of J&K are paddy, maize, wheat, oil seeds, pulses, vegetables and fruits. Paddy and maize are the two major kharif crops, whereas wheat and oilseed are major rabi crops. Total area under paddy cultivation has increased from 2,65,000 ha in 1985 to over 2,75,000 ha. Important rice growing areas are Anantnag, R.S. Pura and Bhaderwah. The oilseeds include Mustard, Sesame, Linseed and Alsi. Total area under oil seeds in the state was 64000 hectares in 1994-95 which got increased to 75000 ha in 1999-2000. The pulses grown in the state are Urd, Moong, Raungi, Rajmash and Kulth. The area under pulses was 55000 ha in 1968-69 but was decreased to 29000 ha. in 1999-2000.

Horticulture and Animal husbandry are other important allied activities of the agricultural sector and are very important to the Economy of J&K. Major fruits cultivated in J&K are Apple, Apricot, Cherry, Walnut, Quince, Amlook, Peach, Plum and Citrus. In the animal husbandry sector, Cows, Buffaloes, Goats, Sheep, Camels, Pigs, Poultry and Yak are domesticated.

In Jammu division wild stocks of various cultivars like Ber, Kainth, Amla, Peach, Olive, etc. are found growing. Keeping in view the economical importance of these cultivals efforts are already going on for utilizing these stocks for further improvement in the Horticulture sector. In order to boost the fruit industry in Jammu province, the cultivation of various fruit cultivars on modern and scientific lines is already in progress. The fruits under cultivation are Mango, Guava, Grapes, Litchi, Citrus, Walnut, Almond, Apple, Peach, Plum, Apricot and Peacannut. In addition to these, cultivars of Strawberry, Olive and Kiwi are also gaining popularity. Under area expansion programme department of Horticulture has covered an area of 2,19,039 ha. in respect of dry and fresh fruits by the end of 2000-01. The major cultivars grown in sub-tropical region of Jammu, Udhampur, Kathua and Rajouri are :

1) Ber Cultivars : Umaran, Samar No. 2, Katheli.

2) Mango Cultivars : Dusheri-51, Amarpali, Langra, Malda, Ratna.

3) Citrus Cultivars : Kinnow, Malta, Mausami, Sangtra, Sweetlime, Kagzi lime

Eurica lemon, Galgal, Kimb.

4) Lichi Cultivars : Dehradun, Calcuttia, Seed less.

5) Guava Cultivars : Lalit, Allahbad Safeda, L-49.

In temperate zone of Jammu province following cultivars of fruits are under cultivation: 1) Grape cultivars : Loose, Perlette, Thomson seedless, Shashi, Beauty

seedless.

2) Walnut cultivars : Medium shelled and Thin shelled.

3) Apple cultivars : Delicious, Ambri, Kesri, Maharaji,

4) Pear cultivars : Baghugosha, Nakh.

5) Peach cultivars : Shan-e-Punjab, Florda-sun, Sharbati,

6) Plum cultivars : Frontier, William, Santarosa,

7) Appricot cultivars : Webcom, Harkat, Amba

8) Pecannut cultivars : Mohan, Nalif.

9) Strawberry cultivar : Chandler, Duglas, Confutura.

10) Olive cultivar : European olive.

11) Kiwi cultivars : Allison, Abbott, Bruno, Hayward

The popularity of Kashmiri Apple, Walnut and Almond is growing all over the country. The snow kissed apple grown in valley is famous. Ambri cultivar is indigenous and is grown in South-Kashmir particularly in Shopian belt. The most promising varieties of pear grown in Kashmir are Sandy pear (Kashmiri Nakh), William pear (Baghugosha). The other indigenous varieties found in Kashmir are Kotar Nakh, Khar Paddar and Zirhami Pear (growing in Ganderbal). Grape varieties growing in Northern-Kashmir are Raipora and Lar in Ganderbal tehsil. Some indigenous varieties are Hussaini and Sahibi which are resistant to powedry mildews and downy mildews,

Sericulture is another allied activity which has developed over the years and now cocoon production has reached a new high of 8900 qtls. which was merely 3000 qtls in 1974-75. Number of sericulture villages is 2166 in the state. Production of raw silk is 21000 kgs. having a value of Rs. 2,60,000 lacs

Microlevel characteristics of agricultural landscape vary from place to place and due to these variations, different soils are able to support a wide range of plant and animal varieties. The Suru valley of Ladakh is watered by streams from the surrounding lofty mountain peaks and produce rich crops of wheat and barley. Traditionally, it has been an area surplus in food grains. Due to availability of water for irrigation, this area stands out in the otherwise desolate and barren landscape of Ladakh. There are good stands of willow and poplar and provide the landscape a lush green look which is rare in Ladakh. Down the river Indus, between Khaltse and Shyok Indus confluence, Drokpa community inhabits Dah & Biama villages. They grow various kinds of fruits like apricots, apples, walnuts and grapes. Cultivation of winter cherry is unique to the area. Red colored fruits of this plant are employed to decorate the head-dress. The ground floor in the suru-valley is covered with dense thickets of Sea-buckthorn which the locals use for fuel and fence purposes.

In the Nubra valley, down the river Shyok, to Hundar, a small population of Double-Humped Bactrian camels is found existing. In the olden days, they were introduced through the famous silk route as pack animals. During the past 50-60 years, they have been employed for the transportation purposes in the Nubra Valley. The valley is lush green along the water courses Major ground cover is formed by the Seabuck thorn, Myricaria, Lycium and Lonicera.

The Payong-gong lake is a unique water body which provides a spectacular view to the tourists. Reflections of the surrounding mountain peaks in the blues and greens of lake’s brackish water is a spectacle to be admired by all. Near this lake a scanty population of Chan-Panomads is seen. They cultivate peas, barleys in summer and during winter they unfold their tents (rebo) and take their flock of Sheep and pashmina goats out in the distant pastures. In Rupshu area, Korzok village situated at 4572 m above sea level forms the only permanent settlement. The local nomads called Chang-pa live in tents all the year round and move between pastures existing near snow melt streams. Few barley fields at Karzok are among the highest cultivated areas in the world but due to inhospitable climate, there is no guarantee that crop will ripen each year. Rupshu valley supports a sparse population of Wild Ass locally known by the name, Kyang. Various alpine lakes are breeding grounds for various birds like barheaded goose, Great Crested Grebe, Black necked cranes, Brahminy Duck and Brown Headed Gull.

The valley of Kashmir is famous for its fruit orchards and saffron cultivation. Fruit growing and saffron cultivation provides employment to more than 5 lakh families.

The climate is of Mediterranean type which is more suited to cultivation of different horticultural crops. Besides 90 private Nurseries, state Government has also established a good network of nurseries to provide the quality saplings to the fruit growers. More than 2000 sq. km. Area is under Fruit orchards. The annual production of fruits is tabulated as under: