About Dry Fruits
India grows walnuts and almonds in Kashmir, makhana in Bihar and raisins in Maharashtra, and imports almonds, pistachios, dates and figs for one of the world's biggest dry-fruit markets.
Where Dry Fruits Is Grown in Jammu and Kashmir
The main dry fruits districts of Jammu and Kashmir are Kupwara, Anantnag, Pulwama, Budgam, Doda. Jammu and Kashmir grows most of India's apples, walnuts, almonds and saffron, and Jammu's R.S. Pura, Kathua and Samba grow aromatic basmati. Bhaderwah rajma and Kashmir saffron hold GI tags.
Season in Jammu and Kashmir
Walnuts and almonds Aug–Oct; makhana Aug–Oct; raisins Mar–May. Exact arrival dates in Jammu and Kashmir depend on local sowing and the monsoon, so check current arrivals before planning purchases.
How Dry Fruits Is Sold in Jammu and Kashmir
Fruit is sold through large fruit mandis such as Sopore, Shopian, Parimpora (Srinagar) and Narwal (Jammu), and through traders who send it to Delhi and other markets.
Key markets for Dry Fruits in Jammu and Kashmir
Other major markets in Jammu and Kashmir
State Agencies in Jammu and Kashmir
Dry Fruits has no minimum support price, so it is bought almost entirely by private traders, processors and exporters. State marketing bodies regulate the markets and support farmer producer organisations.
- J&K Horticulture (Planning and Marketing) DepartmentFruit marketingAboutExplore
- Jammu & Kashmir Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing CorporationMarketingAboutExplore
Quality and Price Notes
Kashmir walnuts are sold in-shell and as kernels, graded by colour (light kernels fetch the most) and size. Kashmiri almonds such as Mamra are prized for their oil and taste but are a small crop compared with imports. Both are harvested in August–October and reach markets in time for Diwali.
Makhana seeds are gathered by hand from pond beds, sun-dried, roasted and popped. The work is traditionally done by the Mallah community of Mithila. Graded by size into "lawa" grades, makhana is sold to wholesalers in Darbhanga and Purnea and then to brands, which sell roasted and flavoured makhana snacks across India and abroad.
Import duties on almonds and other nuts, the California almond crop, the Afghan and Iranian trade situation, and festive demand all affect dry-fruit prices. Diwali and wedding gifting create the strongest seasonal peak.
Buyers, Processors and Exporters
These companies and bodies buy, process or export dry fruits across India, including from Jammu and Kashmir. Tap a name for details.
- Happilo International Pvt LtdDry fruitsAboutExplore
- Farmley (Connedit Business Solutions Pvt Ltd)Dry fruits and makhanaAboutExplore
- Tata Consumer Products LtdTata Sampann dry fruitsAboutExplore
- Khari Baoli, DelhiDry-fruit wholesale marketAboutExplore
Research and Advice in Jammu and Kashmir
New varieties, crop advice and seed for dry fruits growers in Jammu and Kashmir come from the state agricultural universities below and from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in each district.
Dry Fruits in Other States
Bihar · Maharashtra · Gujarat · Himachal Pradesh
Related: Dry Fruits – all India · Jammu and Kashmir · All crops
Names are listed for reference only and do not imply endorsement or affiliation. The About and Explore buttons open Google in a new tab; results there are generated by Google and third parties, not by this site. Prices, MSP, export rules and schemes change often. Nothing here is financial, legal or purchasing advice. Full disclaimer