Besides, dispatching almonds to domestic markets across the country, growers have also started exporting almond kernels to different countries where it fetches handsome returns.

“We could not export almonds to international markets last year,” said Abdul Rashid Khan, an almond producer in central Kashmir's Budgam district. “This year, many growers have started exporting almond kernels to international markets.”

President, Fruit Growers and Dealers Association, Ghulam Rasool Bhat said the almond crop was wiped out last two years. “This year’s record production will compensated for our earlier losses.”

Bhat said Kashmiri growers could double their almond production if late blooming varieties were introduced. “The government, however, has so far shown no interest in introducing late blooming varieties of almond,” he added.