EVALUATING THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF HORTICULTURE IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR

The Horticulture plays a pivotal role in the economy of Jammu and Kashmir and contribute significantly to its GSDP and provide livelihood to a vast majority of its population.Through a comprehensive review of recent government surveys, policy documents, and academic research, this paper evaluates how a significant population of the union territory depends directly or indirectly on horticultural activities. The sectors contribution of 8% to the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and its annual turnover exceeding 10,000 crore demonstrate its significance in regional economic architecture. This research paper examines the multifaceted socio-economic impact of horticulture in the Union Territory, analyzing its role in employment generation, poverty alleviation, income enhancement, and regional economic development, while simultaneously identifying structural challenges and policy gaps that require immediate intervention for sectoral growth and inclusive development.