INDIAN GEOGRAPHY

Detailed explanation-1: -Many temperate fruits are grown with orchards in the Kashmir valley orchards including almonds, apples, cherries, pears, peaches, and walnuts. Of all the items, Kashmir is famous for its traditional heritage of saffron. However, Saffron is also a cash crop.

Detailed explanation-2: -In Jammu & Kashmir State Saffron Cultivation in Kashmir Valley dates back to 500 BC Wan Zhen a Chinese Medical Expert reports that habitat of saffron is in Kashmir. However historians date its arrival prior to 500B. C attributing it to Persian invasion and colonization of Kashmir.

Detailed explanation-3: -Agriculture is the mainstay of more than 80 per cent people in Jammu & Kashmir. Major food crops are wheat, paddy and maize. Barley, jowar and bajra are cultivated in some parts of the state. Agro-climatic condition of this state supports horticulture.

Detailed explanation-4: -Purple crocus flower fields in Pampore, Kashmir, are surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains. This blossom is the source of the priceless spice saffron. With more than 20, 000 households engaged in saffron farming, Pampore, a tiny town 14 kilometres from Srinagar, is referred to as the ‘saffron capital of India’.

Detailed explanation-5: -Apples, almonds, and cherries grow in the temperate regions of Jammu and Kashmir, while mango, litchi, papaya, guava and citrus fruits are cultivated in the subtropical areas.