Srinagar, Jan. 27 -- Kashmir's agrarian landscape is undergoing a transformation that few could have imagined a decade ago. The vegetable sector, once a modest contributor, has surged into prominence, reshaping the Valley's economy and food security. With production values climbing from Rs 541 crore in 2022-23 to an unprecedented Rs 1,239 crore in 2024-25, vegetables have become more than crops; they are now symbols of prosperity, and self-reliance.

Demand has risen steadily, yet production has consistently outpaced consumption. Surpluses have grown from 2.7 lakh metric tonnes in 2022-23 to over 6 lakh MT in 2024-25. This surplus is not just statistical; it is strategic. It means Kashmir is no longer dependent on outside supplies; it is ...