Apple growers in dozens of villages in north Kashmir’s Handwara have expressed their concern over the outbreak of diseases especially Scab and Alternaria in apple plants in the aftermath of recent rains.
A delegation of fruit growers stated that in the aftermath of recent rains, the diseases have plagued the yield at many villages viz. Qalamabad, Mawer,Shahnagri, Shirhama, Drungsoo, Audoora, Lachie, Shanoo, Kutleri, Haril, Shiekhpora, Jahama, Batgund, Hangah and its adjacent villages.
“If no immediate measure is taken, it may result in a loss in crores for them”, they said. “The untimely rains although damaged a major chunk, but there still is yield on the plants which if saved from the diseases can fetch the fruit growers at least their livelihood.”
“We have over the past week seen the yield damaged with diseases and accordingly informed the Horticulture Department about it”, they said adding however despite repeated representations the department concerned is ‘yet to budge’.
Source: risingkashmir.com