Common walnut varieties cultivated in India include Kashmir Budded, Franquette, Gobind, Wilson, and Placentia, each with distinct characteristics and market demands.
Walnuts provide numerous health benefits, including being a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids and supporting heart health, brain function, weight management, and the immune system.
Jammu and Kashmir, India's leading walnut state, produces high-quality varieties, exports to UAE, France, Germany, and New Zealand, and covers 89,000 hectares with 258,730 tonnes of production.
Himachal Pradesh, the second largest walnut producer, offers medium-sized nuts with thin shells and smooth kernels, including varieties like Wilson, Eureka, and Placentia.
With a production of 18,930 tonnes (2021-22), Uttarakhand is the third largest state in walnut production, known for its medium-sized nuts. Chakrata Selections is one of the widely grown cultivars.
Arunachal Pradesh, the fourth largest state in walnut production, offers small to medium-sized nuts, including popular varieties like CITH Walnut-2, -3, and -4, alongside diverse horticultural crops.