Srinagar: Cherry growers in Jammu and Kashmir have reasons to cheer about as a bumper crop is expected this year. Growers are hopeful the cherry production may surpass past record as the crops received timely rainfall.

"This year the crop has been better because of abundant rain and snow," said a cherry grower.

A drought like situation in 2002 resulted in the fall in cherry production in the state. Cherries require conducive climatic condition for proper blooming and fruition.

"The temperature should be perfect for better crop. It should have a maximum temperature of about 30- 35 degree Celsius and above 25 degree Celsius," said Manjar Rahman, a cherry grower in the Valley.

"We are planning to send it to Delhi...We are happy that there will be increase in production and hopefully we will make a good profit," he added.

Horticulture production of fruits like apples and cherries are the primary economic activity of the Himalayan state. About 25 per cent of the state's population is employed directly or indirectly by horticulture sector.

The state exports most of its horticulture products to other states of India and international markets. During the past four years the strife torn state has registered a quarter of a million metric tonnes increase in the horticulture production.

Sweet cherry was introduced in Jammu and Kashmir from Europe before India's independence in 1947 while commercial cultivation of sour cherry has been introduced only in recent years. Cherry cultivation is concentrated in Kangan, Nilshad, Tanmarg and Shopian provinces of the state.

ANI