In Lehenwan, a picturesque belt of Anantnag district’s Kokernag, a silent farming revolution is unfolding as farmers are adopting hazelnut cultivation. The locally grown Virin, a small, hard-nutted fruit, is now a fruitful crop, and more than 200 kanals of land are cultivated by government and local farmers.
Sweet, earthy-flavored hazelnuts are the product of Hazel trees and were previously a niche crop in Kashmir. But things are changing rapidly. With increasing market demand and multiple commercial applications, hazelnuts are attracting the interest of farmers from all over South Kashmir. Hazelnuts find widespread application in confectionery, baked goods, chocolates, cosmetics, and even in coffee. The nuts also contain antioxidants and have health benefits for the heart and pregnant women.
Commonly referred to as Virin, hazelnuts are a relatively overlooked nut variety in the horticulture of Kashmir. These nuts grow on temperate strains of hazel trees (genus Corylus) which thrive in cooler and temperate climates—conditions that suit the mountainous regions of Kashmir. Wild hazelnut trees, though not as prevalent as walnuts and almonds, are found in areas like Kupwara and Baramulla.
Local farmers are hopeful. “Last year, we received very good market prices,” said a Kokernag farmer. “This crop has good health benefits and good returns. People should come forward and cultivate hazelnuts.”
The government-owned hazelnut farm at Lehenwan covers 210 kanals and is populated with almost 3,550 hazelnut plants. This project, which was part of an Indo-Italian joint venture initiated way back in 1989, has only just witnessed actual growth among local growers following enhanced results and awareness.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Kokernag, Suhail Ahmad Lone, added that the process is now on to convert the government farm into a Centre of Excellence for Nut Crops. “We are bringing in new methods of cultivation and research for further increasing the production. The idea is to replicate similar schemes and encourage other varieties of nut growing in the area.”
“There’s another new project worth Rs 12 crore under the Centre of Excellence for Nut Crops introducing more nut varieties,” he added. “We are phasing out traditional nut species in some areas. Macdonald nuts, pistachios, and hybrid hazelnuts are being introduced. The objective is to diversify farmers’ income sources sustainably.”
Turkey currently dominates global hazelnut production, accounting for about 64% of the world’s output. In India, Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district and parts of Kashmir, including Kokernag, are emerging as new cultivation hubs.
Kokernag farmers believe that hazelnuts will not only increase their earnings but also usher in long-term sustainability in the agriculture of the valley. With rising government attention and interest, the long-neglected Virin is now climbing the rungs to become a crop of the future in Kashmir.