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

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This article has been sourced from an authoritative, official publication. Therefore, it has been ‘locked’ and will never be thrown open to readers to edit or comment on. After the formal launch of their online archival encyclopædia, readers who wish to update or add further details can do so on a ‘Part II’ of this article.

The source of this article

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:

Table 19: The District wise production of main fruits in Jammu & Kashmir for the year 1999-2000.

 

Department of Horticulture                                                                                                                                                                               (Production in Metric Tonnes)

Table 21: District wise area and production under different crops:

S. No	Kind of fruit	Srinagar	Budgam	Baramulla	Kupwara	Anantnag	Pulwama	Total	Leh	Kargil	Total	Jammu	Kathua	Poonch	Rajouri	Doda	Udha-mpur	Total	Total
FRESH FRUITS
1.	Apple	25506	39943	522091	69219	158397	100707	915863	3238	294	3532	0	1100	3815	288	2251	2173	9627	929022
2.	Pear	2461	3592	2051	3304	2732	2345	16485	6	4	10	0	2500	6750	1050	1144	1302	12746	29241
3.	Apricot	268	213	1056	45	233	250	2065	2541	1153	3694	0	40	30	55	561	159	845	6604
4.	Peach	95	20	107	51	57	9	339	6	3	9	28	350	415	88	29	181	1091	1439
5.	Plum	1028	482	0	62	209	198	1979	0	0	0	0	65	1556	120	32	104	1877	3856
6.	Cherry	3170	152	481	368	419	714	5304	0	9	9	0	0	0	0	2	1	3	5316
7.	Mango	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	5582	3140	0	908	0	921	10551	10551
8.	Ber	0	0	0	0	0		0	0	0	0	8010	21	0	600	0	341	8972	8972
9.	Grapes	1234	5	22	0	0	0	1261	8	3	11	178	5	1	0	0	19	203	1475
10.	Citrus	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3843	5283	153	1240	142	2635	13296	13296
11.	Olive	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	2	2
12.	Other fresh	1001	62	1354	524	47	0	2988	0	0	0	3916	678	306	1042	190	2112	8244	11232
Total fresh		34763	44469	527162	73573	162094	104223	946284	5799	1466	7265	21557	13182	13026	5391	4352	9949	67457	1021006
DRY FRUITS
1.	Walnut	1994	6071	7479	5473	22869	13722	57608	101	10	111	0	4000	5730	900	4061	2496	17187	74906
2.	Almond	141	1909	9	0	124	7480	9663	1	0	1	0	1	0	1	2	4	8	9672
3.	Other dry	144	0	0	0	0	0	144	0	0	0	0	0	2	41	0	2	45	189
Total dry		2279	7980	7488	5473	22993	21202	67415	102	10	112	0	4001	5732	942	4063	2502	17240	84767
Grand Total		37042	52449	534650	79046	185087	125425	1013699	5901	1476	7377	21557	17183

District	Rice		Maize		Wheat		Pulses		Oilseeds
	Area (000ha)	Prod. (000 qtsl)	Area (000ha)	Prod. (000 qtsl)	Area (000ha)	Prod. (000 qtsl)	Area (000ha)	Prod. (000 qtsl)	Area (000ha)	Prod. (000 qtls)
Anantnag	37.58	2278	25.69	1020	-	16	1.15	53	24.06	-
Pulwama	23.33		11.58		0.53		1.69		19.42
Srinagar	12.02		4.70		-		0.62		2.23
Budgam	24.91		16.32		0.42		0.85		5.39
Baramulla	27.19		32.44		0.47		4.71		3.26
Kupwara	11.25		24.10		0.13		1.78		2.58
Leh	-	-	-	-	2.55	36	0.26	6	0.07	-
Kargil	-		-		1.61		0.64		-
Jammu	50.16	1875	20.99	4238	101.05	1435	5.91	69	2.78	-
Udhampur	9.80		57.70		41.55		2.48		2.58
Doda	3.50		51.73		11.09		2.88		2.76
Kathua	34.30		16.23		53.10		3.64		7.08
Rajouri	6.42		45.05		53.83		0.77		0.36
Poonch	3.60		23.68		14.63		0.07		1.34
Total	244.05	4153	330.21	5258	280.96	1487	27.45	128	73.91	281.61

Source: Digest of Statistics.

 

18758

6333

8415

12451

84697

1105773

 

Source : Directorate

Rice is the major crop of the farmers and is grown over 250000 ha. Various local rice varieties like Mushkbujhee, Larbol, Nunabol, Londa, etc. are unique to this region of Kashmir. Out of annual rice production of 41,53,000 qtls. in the state, 22,78,000 qtls. is supplied by the Kashmir farmers alone (2000-01 data).

Jammu province has sub-tropical type of climate in the Kandi belt of Kathua and Jammu districts. People usually grow wheat, maize and millets in this area. Other crops grown are Rajmash, Pulses, Vegetables, Mustard, Sesame, Linseed, etc. The Command Area Development has been instrumental in changing the agricultural economy of the people by providing them the facilities of irrigation, fertilizers, improved hybrid seeds,

Table 20: Production of various crops in Command Area of Jammu

 

Crop	1975-76 Produc-tivity Qtls.	Prod. M.T.	1993-94 Produc-tivity	Prod. M.T.	1995-96 Produc-tivity	Prod. M.T.	1996-97 Produc-tivity	Prod. M.T.	1997-98 Produc-tivity	Prod. M.T.	1998-99 Produc-tivity	Prod. M.T.
Paddy	12	11400	45	90154	45	96750	38.50	84700	39.20	88317	39.20	86455
Maize	15	31500	20	27805	25	28000	27.80	27800	24.00	26082	24.00	26250
Oil seeds	04	9200	26	14868	08	16760	08.00	9176	08.10	10368	08.10	9834
Pulses							08.00	7328	07.00	6650	07.00	6823
Wheat	10	40000	33	144000	33	144500	32.00	152032	33.60	178712	35.60	181916
		92100		276817		287010		281036		310099		311278

Source: Digest of Statistics.

 

 

 

In the Chenab valley of Doda district monsoon is poor and deficient in Doda and Kishtwar whereas Bhaderwah is comparatively moist. Major crops grown in this valley are Maize, Rice, Rajmash, etc. In the Poonch District Gujjars and Bakerwals reside on the mountain slopes. They have small land holdings and most of them rear herds of sheep and goats. Maize, wheat and paddy are the principal crops in this region.

Forest Ecosystem

Forests of J&K extend over an area of 20182 sq. km. out of total geographical area of 222236 sq. km. The Total Forest Cover works out to be about 9%. As per National Forest Policy, 1988, J&K being the Hilly state, the forest cover of 66% is required against the prescription of 33% for plain region of the states. Whatever forests are existing, their density is also variable, about 46% of the forest cover has density between 10-40% and only the remaining forest cover has density of more than 40%.

Fig. 34: Forest Cover in J&K Source: Digest of Forest Statistics, 1996, J&K Government.

Singh & Kachroo, 1976, have identified three main vegetation types in the state: 1. Alpine desert vegetation of Ladakh.

2. Temperate vegetation of Kashmir.

3. Sub-tropical vegetation of Ladakh.

Alpine Desert Vegetation of Ladakh

Ladakh, the land of Lamas and Gompas is a trans-Himalayan high altitude cold desert with very rough physiography and wide open valleys along the rivers. The region is devoid of bryophytes and pteridophytes and even natural trees are absent. Due to scarcity of rainfall, plants are generally restricted to the river banks, moist rock surfaces and other sheltered habitats. According to Stewart, 1916, Ladakh flora has three main components, i.e. Alpine, Desertic and Oastic.

The Alpine flora is found existing along the edges of melting glaciers at an elevation exceeding 3300 m. Major plants of this component include Pedicularis, Delphiniums, Primulas, Gentianas, Lomantogonium, Saussureas, Arnebias, Rheums, etc.

The Desertic type of flora is characteristic of Ladakh and it shows distinct affinities with the plants of Tibet and Siberia. The plant forms are mostly stunted. Xerophytic and cushion like, as an adaptation to cold dry winds and blizzards. Common plant species are Caragana brevifolia, Acantholimon lycopodioides, Arenaria festucoides, Thylocospermum caespitosum, etc.

The Oasitic type of elements are restricted to mesophytic type of places. Common plants of this category comprise of Junipers, Acer, Populus, Salix, Prunus, Polygonums, Primulas, Anemones, etc.

Temperate Vegetation of Kashmir

Kashmir valley is drained by the river Jhelum and numerous snow-fed tributaries from the surrounding mountains. Many springs and streams add to the charm and beauty of flowers. The water courses and margins of streams support the luxuriant vegetation comprising of plants like Spiraeas, Impatiens, Chenopodiums, Epilobiums, Geraniums, Delphiniums, Ranunculus, Fragaria, Primulas, Polygonums, Fritillarias, Potentillas and Pedicularis species. Vegetation of lakes comprise of Lythrum salicaria, Nymphaeas, Nelumbo Trapa, Limnanthemum, Hydrillas, Utricularias, Ceratophyllum, Typhas and other grasses.

Natural vegetation stands altered by the introduction of many exotics like Poplars, Willows, Chinars, Spanish chest nut, Magnolias, Acer negonda, Ailanthus, Albizia julibrissin, Buddlejas, Hydrangeas, Philadelphus, Hypericums, Spiraeas, Phlox paniculata, Viburnum opulus and cherry laurels. Euryala ferox once common in Dal lake is seldom seen in the water bodies of Kashmir.

Dominant tree flora is composed of Pinus wallichiana, Cedrus deodara, Picea smithiana, Taxus wallichiana, Abies pindrow, Aesculus indica, Acer pictum, Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana, Carategus soongarica, Lonicera in the blue pine zone and higher up species like Salix denticulate, Skimmia laureola, Lonicera myrtilis, Berberis jaeschkeana are frequently found. Towards the upper limit, Abies pindrow, Betula utilis, Rhododendron campanulatum, Cotoneaster, Viburnum and Lonicera species form the major component of the Flora.

Alpine vegetation is comprised of elements like Aconitums, Delphiniums, Primulas, Anemones, Aquilegias, Asters, Saussureas, Corydalis, Potentillas and Pedicularis species which add colour and beauty to the summer landscape of the Kashmir mountains and meadows. Various kinds of Apollo butterflies are also a common sight. Various kinds of Nival insects alone find shelter in this zone.

Sub-tropical Vegetation of Jammu

Dry mixed deciduous type of vegetation is the major component of Flora of Jammu. The area supports three types of vegetations i.e. Scrub forests in the semi-arid tract; scrub and mixed deciduous vegetation at higher elevations and temperate vegetation in the higher hills.

Directorate of Social Forestry J&K

Scrub forests are typically dominated by plants like Acacia modesta, Dodonea viscosa, Justicia adhatoda, Caralluma tuberculata, Telosma pallida, Tribulus terrestris, Cassia occidentalis, Tephrosia purpurea, Ziziphus mauritiana, Capparis sepiaria, Woodfordia fruiticosa, Butea monosperma, Cassia fistula, Dioscorea belophylla, Delbergia sissoo, Caeseria tomentosa, Putranajiva roxburghii, etc.

Mixed deciduous vegetation of higher elevations is formed by the presence of Flacaurtia indica, Lannea coromandelica, Mallotus phillipensis, Ehretia laevis, Holarrhaena antidysentrica, Moringa oleifera, Emblica officinalis, Acacia nilotica, Ficus racemosa, Premna mucronata, Ougeinia oogeinensis, Maytenus royleanus, Terminalia bellerica, Bauhinia variegata, Bombax ceiba, Aegle marmelos, Hymenodictyon excelsum and Elaeodendron glaucum.Hill vegetation is dominated by plants like Wendlandia heynei, Grewia optiva, Pistacia integerrima, Lannea coromandelica, Pinus roxburghii, Reinwardtia indica, Oroxylum indicum, Eranthemum pulchellum, Caesalpinia decapetala, Antidesma diandrum, Mallotus phillipensis, Buddleja asiatica, Ficus roxburghii, Pyrus pashia, Rhamnus triqueter, Rubus ellipticus.

Still higher elevations in the chenab valley and Rajouri – Poonch Districts support plants like Quercus ilex, Quercus dilatata, Quercus glauca, Quercus semicarpifolia, Quercus leucotrichophora, Acer pictum, Lyonia ovalifolia, Rhododendron arboreum, Andrachne cordifolia, Fraxinus hookeriana, Machilus odoratissima, Litsea chinensis, Neolitsea pallens, Morus serrata, Ulmus villosa, Desmodium tilaefolium, Dabregeasia hypoleuca, Berberis lycium, Buddleja crispa, Indigofera gerardiana, Ehretia serrata, Symplocos paniculata, Rhus punjabensis, Prinsepia utilis, Lonicera quinquelocularis etc. Ground Flora is comprised of herbaceous plants like Boenninghausenia albiflora, Polygala crotalarioides, Sarcococa saligna, Ranunculus lactus, Potentilla nepalensis, Geum urbanum, Salvia lanata, Stachys, Prunella vulgaris, Bistorta amplexicaulis, Onychium japonicum, Pteris longifolia, Polystichum aculeatum, Mosses and lichens.

=== Forest Types=Mainly 8 types of forests are identified in Jammu and Kashmir. These are described below: