Srinagar, Dec 7: The cultivation of Mediterranean fruit olives in Salamabad area of Uri in north Kashmir's Baramulla district is facing a serious setback due to the absence of a proper irrigation facility, leaving the once-promising project struggling for survival.
According to officials from the horticulture department, the olive farm spread over 29 kanals is witnessing a steady decline in production over the past several years. They attribute this drop largely to the lack of water supply.
"The growth of olives has gone down significantly in recent years. Without an irrigation source, sustaining the crop has become extremely difficult," a senior horticulture official told Rising Kashmir.
Officials said that prior to the 2005 earthquake, a natural stream flowing adjacent to the olive farm acted as the primary source of irrigation, with the department storing water in a tank for use. However, the stream was damaged during the earthquake and has never been restored, leaving the farm dependent on rainwater.
Another horticulture official said that the irrigation department had conducted a visit last year to explore the possibility of developing a groundwater facility. "They had planned to dig a borewell, but the project did not take off due to the higher elevation of the area, which makes groundwater extraction unfeasible," the official said.
With declining yield, the extraction of olive oil considered a key outcome of the project has also suffered.
It is noteworthy that olives grow naturally in the Kashmir valley only in Uri region, owing to its comparatively hot climate and suitable soil profile. The plantation was first introduced in Salamabad under an Indo-Italian project in 1987 after a British team conducted soil testing and found the terrain favourable for cultivation.
Farmers fear that unless a sustainable irrigation system is developed soon, the valley's lone olive cultivation belt may lose its unique identity and commercial potential.
"Irrigation is the lifeline of this fruit. It needs timely watering for healthy growth," said 80-year-old Azad Khan, a resident of Shadra village in Kamalkote area.
When contacted, Rakeeda Begum, Incharge Olive Nursery Salamabad, told Rising Kashmir that the department had planned to dig a borewell in the nursery last year. 'But that couldn't take place due to its location on higher ground,' she said, adding, "As of now, we are totally dependent on rainwater."