<span style="color: #222222;">District administration Kishtwar in Jammu division of the UT of J&K is focusing on the horticulture sector to boost farm income and strengthen local economy.<br />'' <br />'' AIR Correspondent reports that area expansion and rejuvenation of existing orchards with high density planting has been prioritised to fully tap the horticulture potential available in the district. To attract youth, technological intervention and spreading of awareness about the lucrative avenues in the sector has been tipped as another area of focus.<br />'' <br />'' The mountainous district is known for saffron production and its quality worldwide, even as the horticulture sector also offers a promising avenue for employment generation. Having a blend of temperate and sub-tropical type  climate, the district with areas like Marwah, Paddar, Nagseni and Kishtwar is suitable for the growth of all types of dry and fresh fruits ranging from walnut to citrus fruits etc.<br />'' <br />'' The availability of coniferous vegetation like pines and deodar provides huge potential for the  wild varieties of dry fruits like chilgoza (pinus seeds) and Thanchi (peculiar dry fruit in the forests of Paddar). Taking a novel initiative, the district Horticulture department has increased the testing for the growth of fruits like Kiwi and Strawberry.<br />''<br />''Being grown in the department's Model Orchard Cum Nursery (MOCN)  Dambar Chatroo for the first time, their cultivation has witnessed a great success in the initial stages. In addition, walnut progeny orchards and different varieties of pomegranate, grapes apricot and  pear are also grown inside the facility.</span><br />