Snowfall: No damage to orchards in Kashmir

Srinagar, Feb 12: Heaviest snowfall in more than 20 years has not caused any major damage to orchards in the Kashmir valley, Director Horticulture said.

It has been observed that there was no damage caused to the orchards barring an insignificant damage to the neglected orchards which were either left unattended for the last so many years or were under heavy infestation of stem borer, he said after visiting orchard areas of Thajwara, Kanalwan, Srigufwara, Bijbehara, Qaimoh, Kulgam and adjoining areas in Anantnag and Kulgam district of south Kashmir.

He said that approximately 80 per cent orchards were pruned prior to the present heavy snowfall which has saved the trees.

The Director said that the farmers awareness and training camps would be conducted by the respective districts to disseminate latest technical know -how to the growers for better orchard management.

He said old and senile orchards in the areas will be covered under Rejuvenation Programme during the current financial year.

UNI