The orchard owners fear the rains at this time of the year would affect the cherry crop which is harvested during this period.
The intermittent rains over past few days have increased the risk of outbreak of alternaria and scab in fruit crops with experts advising farmers to strictly follow spraying schedules to avoid any damage.
Kashmir during last few days has received intermittent rains with the result there has been dip in temperature. The agriculture experts believe the untimely rains in May would delay the production of local vegetables.
“The downpour in this month could raise risk of outbreak of fungus and diseases like scab and alternaria,” they said.
The orchard owners fear the rains at this time of the year would affect the cherry crop which is harvested during this period.
President, Parimpora Fruit Mandi, Bashir Ahmad Basheer said the rains at this time would prove disastrous for both horticulture and agriculture in Kashmir.
“This year we have already received a good amount of downpour and if it continues for a week or so, it would have a catastrophic impact on our horticulture and agriculture produce,” Basheer said.
He said the horticulture sector was more vulnerable as May rains caused outbreak of scab and alternaria. “We have been witnessing during last few years that rains during this time of the year increase the risk of these diseases.”
The local vegetable production, according to experts, was also likely to be delayed due to sudden fall in temperature.
“Most of our local vegetables are ready for harvest during this period, but this year due to increased amount of precipitation and water logging in lower areas, the vegetable growth has delayed and further rains would affect it badly,” Basheer added.
Talking to us, Director Horticulture Kashmir, P K Sharma said although till now there was no report of outbreak of scab or any other diseases. “Rains during this period result in outbreak of fungus diseases and scab.”
“Our field staff is monitoring the situation and we have instructed the farmers to spray fungicides and pesticides as per prescribed schedule to prevent any diseases in orchards,” Sharma added.
To mention, Kashmir’s horticulture and agriculture sectors have witnessed a decline in production due to last year’s flood.
