Kashmir is known for housing rich, exotic and diverse species of trees of fruits. North Western Himalayan region with its lofty mountains, majestic slope and temperate climate makes it the perfect place for Walnut plantation. The tree of Walnut is nurtured best in cool, frost free climate at an altitudinal area of 900-3500 meters. High temperature in low elevation leads to darkening of kernel at the time of ripening. Walnut plantation requires a uniform distribution of annual rainfall of approx 760mm for high quality crop.

The most suitable soil for high grade walnut production is characterized by well drained, fertile, deep clay-loam with high quantity of lime and humus. A good drainage system is essential for high quality fruit as excessive water accumulation in the tree reduced the quality of the fruit. A walnut tree blossoms its first fruit after 10-15 years of plantation. However, at the age of 20-25 years it matures and yields good production of nuts. In Kashmir valley, Walnut tree grows and gives fruit until the age of 100 years.


In Kashmir, Walnuts starts flowering on the onset of spring season in the month of March to April. After flowering, fruit rapidly grows but it takes time to mature. Thus harvesting period also gets delayed and plucking is done from the mid of August to mid of October. Harvesting of Walnut is quite a tough job as the height of the tree is high. This process involves beating of the fruit-bearing branch by long stick. Drying process is done after washing out the nuts in flowing stream or river. Drying is done in the open field under sky up to 5 or 8 days.