Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir hopes to increase therevenue from export of fresh and dry fruits like apples, almonds and walnuts toRs.21 billion during this year as against Rs.19 billion last year.

"The exports can bring better results once the railwaysstarts in Kashmir and Srinagarairport gets international airport status," said Horticulture MinisterMohammad Dillawar Mir, while informing the Legislative Assembly about thestatus of fruit export industry in the state.

Mir, who is also a tourism minister, said that Kashmirifresh and dry fruits have international market. "We are doing good but wecan do better by grading our fruits," he added.

He said during this year the state expects revenue of Rs.21billion from export of fresh and dry fruits as against Rs.19 billion duringlast year.

The Valley, especially Sopore in north Kashmir and Shopianin south Kashmir, produces juicy and highquality apples, locally known as Maharaja, Delicious, and Amree.

"There is a need to increase the production. Thegovernment is offering all sorts of incentives to orchardists to do so,"Mir said.

However, an area of concern is the shortfall in snowfall andrains in some parts of the Valley.

"We are consulting experts as to how to cope with thisproblem of climate change," Mir said, adding that optimumutilisation of the horticulture potential in the state measures are underway.

The minister said fruit markets would be set up in the areas,which are devoid of such facilities. Attention is also being paid towardsprovision of cold storage facilities to growers and forwarding agents.