New Delhi: The Nuts and Dry Fruit Council of India, NDFC(I), launched a walnut plantation initiative at Chakrata, Uttarakhand on 28-29th of December. The ambitious initiative seeks to introduce grafted walnut plants in India for the first time, with 300 saplings planted in the region of Chakrata. The programme seeks to reinforce domestic nut production, reduce reliance on imports and create economic opportunities for local farmers. The initiative is intended to usher an increase in the nut production of the region, and serves as the stepping stone for a 3-year project that would subsequently encompass over 1000 cultivators.
The initiative envisages the planting of 300 saplings in a cluster centred around 3 villages in the region with over 70 farmers being involved. Apart from the 300 saplings, the programme will provide comprehensive support to the farmers in terms of in-depth training on optimal plantation techniques, including proper care and maintenance during critical growth stages. The high-yielding saplings have been provisioned from a Turkish horticultural company, AGRONOM, and imported by an Indian counterpart, Kalason Nursery. As NDFC(I) gears up for the 2nd edition of MEWA in February 2025, this initiative marks a cornerstone in the attempt to popularise and increase production of nuts in India.
NDFC(I) is collaborating with WANGAI (Walnuts and other Nut Fruit Growers Association of India), an organization promoting the cultivation of nuts. The collaborative effort seeks to position India as a leading producer and exporter of walnuts and subsequently delve into other nut categories. The initiative serves as a gateway to expanding nut production, with a plan to increase cultivation in the Chakrata and Tuni regions and incorporating 1000 farmers.
Speaking about the initiative, Achin Aggarwal, Chair, Committee for Agriculture and Farmers Connect at NDFC(I) stated, “With this initiative, we hope to cater to the growing popularity and demand for Walnuts. As India and the world moves towards a healthier lifestyle, we hope that the initiative will help expand the walnut production base. Beyond expanding production, the initiative will assist in the economy of the region and we hope that in the coming years, it becomes a major exporting location for Walnuts. The introduction of Grafted walnut plants should also spur a slate of innovation and research that would further increase yield and production.”
This initiative emphasizes long-term sustainability with a focus on continuous plantation efforts and the establishment of world-class nut plant nurseries in India to ensure easy access to high-yielding grafted plants for farmers. This project is expected to significantly boost the local economy by increasing walnut production and creating new job opportunities for the community.
