In 1987, Kashmir’s first olive orchard, located in the remote village of Uri’s Salamabad, was established through an Indo-Italian collaboration. Spanning over 30 kanals of land and managed by the Department of Horticulture, it is not only a home to 232 olive trees, producing six to seven varieties of olives, but it has also helped push the boundaries and is transforming the region’s farming.
Inspired by the experiment and with support from the department, farmers in Uri are now adopting olive cultivation in a big way.
When the experiment started almost four decades ago, however, there was skepticism. 73-year-old Master Ali Mohammad recalls, “When the soil was tested, we were surprised and we laughed. Zaitoon (olive) belonged to Spain and Turkey not Kashmir. But the outcome was a revelation.”
Uri's unique microclimate, with its warmer winters (rarely dropping below -5°C), minimal snowfall, and well-drained slopes, perfectly mirrors the conditions found in Mediterranean groves. It's this natural advantage that has allowed to successfully grow these olive trees. The absence of harsh winters and the soil's natural drainage created a favourable environment, paving the way for a new agricultural chapter in the valley.
Ever since, Uri’s first olive farm has produced high-quality olive oil. However, it requires a careful extraction process. It entails picking olives by hand, cleaning, grinding and pressing the olives to obtain the oil. This meticulous approach from tree to bottle, and dedication to traditional techniques, is fundamental, as it also preserves the oil’s exceptional quality and allows support of sustainable agriculture practices in the area.
Taking a cue from its success, local farmers embraced the experiment.
Ishpaq Ahmed is one among them. “We started planting these trees five or six years ago, but trees take about 10 years to reach full maturity,” he shares. But, he’s optimistic and adds, “Very soon we will have the olive crop and many farmers have started growing olives.”
Project Beyond Olives
The project goes beyond just olives, since they are also growing a variety of other fruits. This comprehensive approach is changing the landscape of the area, providing farmers with a sustainable and profitable alternative. The success of the initiative is inspiring the community and transforming the region into a hub of agricultural innovation, he says.
“In Salamabad Uri, most of us got these olive trees from the horticulture department and started planting them, and today we have our own plants,” said Sheikh Tabarat.
“We are also growing a variety of other fruits, like malta, lemon, kiwi and oranges. We are so happy we are living in such an area, all praises to Allah,” he adds.
Besides, the area’s salubrious climate, the farmers are also in praise of the Jammu & Kashmir Horticulture Department which encouraged large-scale olive and fruit farming through the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP), an initiative planned to provide a comprehensive agriculture support system for the local farmers.
In order to expand and diversify the region’s agriculture, the department is concentrating on raising a variety of plants suited for Uri’s subtropical climate, a region much like the natural habitat of olives.
Horticulture Department Officer, Tehsil Uri and Boniyar Hamid Ali Khan says, “Our primary aim is to develop and introduce the agricultural innovation that can thrive in these conditions and provide new opportunities for local farmers directly related to its climatic dividends.”
“We are offering guidance on modern farming methods, and providing high-quality saplings,” he adds.
Olive Oil Production
This initiative has helped people in areas like Shahdara, Dulanga, Isham Chakara, Uroosa and Salamabad to establish their own olive gardens. “As a result, local production is now surpassing the departmental farm’s output,” Khan notes and proudly talks about plants in great health with minimal disease.
About olive production, he says that though the horticulture department’s farm previously 200 litres of olive oil, but due to the recent rejuvenation and top-working of the trees, there has been a temporary dip in production. However, he’s quick to add, “with new branches and buds now growing, we are quite optimistic about a significant increase in fruit production in the coming years.”
The farm also has a small nursery where various kinds of seeds are cultivated and later sold or sometimes given free of cost.
Khan noted that “Even this year, we distribute 4,800 olive and other plants among local people, and provide scientific advice to locals on how to maximize their yields and benefit from their harvests.”
“The local residents produced 300 litres of olive oil last year, and the department also supports them further by offering oil extraction services for a minimal charges of just two to three rupees per kg,” Khan reveals.
“We are committed to expanding olive farming; we are removing the old and unproductive trees and planting new ones with an emphasis on good production quality,” said his colleague, Talib Ahmad.
“The department also tries to add the new technical and chemical support to local farmers. Despite various challenges, this government-backed initiative is making olive oil more accessible by offering it at a subsidized price of Rs 1,000 per litre, significantly lower than the market rates of Rs 2,000–4,000,” he added.
The local farmers admit that this co-operation from the department has been a boon for agriculture in the area.
Ghulam Nabi, a 62-year-old farmer from a nearby village, said that after seeing his neighbours prepare their land for olive cultivation, he was inspired to do the same. “When my neighbours and the horticulture department first spoke about olives, I did not believe them. But seeing my neighbour’s orchard flourishing, I was convinced and started planting my own trees.”
“Today the results are promising,” he said, expressing his satisfaction that he and his family are now producing their own olive oil at home, which they both sell and use for personal consumption.
The journey, however, is not without its difficulties, the farmers assert.
Pervaiz Ahmad a farmer from Uri, reveals, “A few years ago I planted some trees, which are yet to fully grow.”
“Every plant, every olive represents tireless efforts, it is a very painstaking process and even in winters, we have to take care of these trees,” he adds.
Yet, he adds, the results are good and more and more farmers are adopting olive cultivation, transforming livelihoods and the region’s agricultural landscape.
Expert Insights
Showkat Nisar, a senior researcher from the University of Kashmir who works on plant Ecology, said that the success of Uri’s olive orchard is Uri’s unique topography and favourable climate, which mostly has warm summers and receives less rainfall which helps to create a fascinating microclimate.
“Uri’s sun-drenched, well-drained slopes and perhaps a touch of rain shadow effect, offer a surprising haven for olives. The fact that these ancient trees have found a home in seemingly unexpected parts of the world is evidence of their true adaptability,” Nissar added.
He also highlights the role of olive trees in supporting biodiversity. “Olive trees create microhabitats that support beneficial insects, including pollinators and soil-enriching ants, contributing to ecological balance,” he added.
Global environmental challenges
However, recent heatwaves have significantly impacted the orchard’s production. While the farm produced 20 quintals of olive oil in 2021, production dropped to just one quintal in 2023. In 2024, the production remained low due to extreme weather conditions in Uri.
“Ten kilograms of olives make one kilogram of olive oil. It is a very good crop, but the production has dropped in recent years,” Tabarat says, pointing towards the need for further initiatives and development.
Hamid Ali Khan, however, says that the production has not dropped due to external factors, like climate change alone, but also due to the newly adopted strategy to improve future yields. He explained, “The production was low because we have rejuvenated the trees. We have removed the old trees and planted new ones, and we also did top-working, due to which the production was low.” He added that they are “hopeful in future years to have a good amount of production.”
Sacred Roots: “Blessed Tree”
Olives hold great significance in many cultures and religions. Mentioned in the Quran as a blessed tree. For centuries, people have valued their health benefits. Olive oil is recognized for its medicinal properties; it helps with heart health, digestion, and skin care. Medical experts stress its importance as holistic, making it a valuable and key part of Kashmir’s agricultural landscape.
“Incorporating olive oil into your diet is a simple yet effective step toward better health. It offers benefits such as improved heart function and enhanced antioxidant protection,” says Dr Nayeem Raza, Pharmacologist and Professor based in Kashmir.
Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) while increasing good cholesterol (HDL) a vital factor in preventing cardiovascular disease. Besides its culinary benefits, “Olive oil is a powerhouse of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. These natural protective agents help combat chronic diseases and promote overall cellular health,” Dr Raza adds.
“The use of olive oil as your main dietary fat is absolutely complementary to a longevity-promoting lifestyle. It is a key component of the Mediterranean diet, which is globally recognized for its positive effects on brain health, weight maintenance, and disease prevention,” Dr Raza notes.
The Scenic Beauty
Meanwhile, the olive orchards are also attracting the visitors from various areas who come to enjoy and explore their beauty.
“People travel from different areas like Boniyar, Bijhama, Sheeri, and Baramulla. We are happy to see so many visitors appreciating this special place,” said a farmer.
The sound of leaves in the breeze and the smell of the earth are both calming and inviting to visitors, who view its mesmerising landscape, capture memories in photos, and take a pause, soaking in its calmness.
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