Agriculture is the backbone of Indian economy and it plays a prominent role for development of economy.  Around 70 per cent of the population in the State of Jammu and Kash mir gets livelihood directly or indirectly from the Agriculture and allied Sectors. The major fruits grown in the state are Apple, Walnut, Almond, Pear, Cherry, Apricot, Peach and Plum. Kashmiri apple is famous both in taste and appearance. It has gained fame in the export market and fetches a very good return. The horticulture industry contributes nearly 60 percent of the states revenue and 22 percent of gross state domestic product (GSDP). Looking to the specie-wise details of area figures under fruit for the year 2013-14, it is observed that largest area of 45.34% (161364 hectares) is occupied by apple out of total area of 355921 hectares under fruit. Walnut is the next major fruit occupying 26.86% in the overall area under fruit. Jammu and Kashmir is the major producer walnuts in India, 90 percent of walnut production in India belongs to Jammu and Kashmir and percentage share of state in India’s total production is showing an increasing trend and the state has been declared as the “ Agri. Export zone for Apples and Walnuts”. Agribusiness including export of fresh and dry fruits is the foundation of economy. Foreign exchange earned on account of export of dry fruit viz; Almond and Walnut (in shell and kernel) during the year 2013-14 was Rs 365.25 crore. In this paper an attempt has been made to explore potential and strength of Jammu and Kashmir with regard to its production and export of dry fruits.

Keywords : Export;  Dry fruits; Foreign Exchange.