Chile Ramps Up Walnut Exports to India Amid Challenges for Kashmiri Growers
05 March 2025, New Delhi: During the 2022-23 marketing year, Chile significantly expanded its walnut exports, with Turkey, India, and Italy emerging as its top importers. India, in particular, saw a remarkable 108% surge in imports of Chilean in-shell walnuts, overtaking Turkey to become the largest market. The trade value between India and Chile jumped to 125.48 million, a95.2125.48 million, a95.264.28 million in the previous year.
Meanwhile, the removal of tariffs on Californian walnuts led to a sharp rise in their trade volume, from 1,496 metric tons in January 2023 to 3,538 metric tons in January 2024. This influx of foreign walnuts has negatively impacted the demand for Kashmiri walnuts, causing financial losses for traders in the region.
In 2023-24, India exported 638.07 metric tons of walnuts to countries such as the Netherlands and the UK. However, this export volume remains minimal compared to India’s overall walnut production and import levels.
Data from the Jammu and Kashmir Horticulture Department reveals a decline in Kashmir’s walnut production, dropping from 1,95,066 metric tons in 2018-19 to 1,80,973 metric tons in 2019-20. Dr. Imtiyaz Wani, an expert in the field, has called for tariffs on foreign walnut imports to safeguard the rural economy of Kashmir, where many farmers depend on walnut cultivation for their livelihoods.
Walnut farming in Jammu and Kashmir spans 95,601 hectares, with significant cultivation in Anantnag, Budgam, and Pulwama districts. Baramulla district leads in productivity. However, the industry faces challenges, including restrictions under the Jammu and Kashmir Preservation of Specified Trees Act, 1969, which regulates the felling or pruning of walnut trees. Environmental lawyer Nadeem Qadri has highlighted the adverse effects of development on these trees.
To support local growers, Dr. Wani has urged the government to provide financial assistance and regulate imports. Despite a reduction in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on walnuts from 12% to 5%, farmers remain dissatisfied and are demanding its complete removal. Additionally, stakeholders are advocating for a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Kashmiri walnuts to enhance their market value. Dr. Wani also emphasized the need for improved infrastructure and grading machines to strengthen the industry and ensure its long-term sustainability.
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