The Kashmir Pulse

PULWAMA — The apple growers and traders in Kashmir are grappling with heavy losses due to continuous low demand in various markets. Typically, cold storage units are cleared by the end of April, but this year, a large percentage of apples remains stored due to the sluggish market demand.

Speaking to the local news agency KNO, growers and traders expressed concern over the situation. They said that based on current trends, Controlled Atmosphere (CA) units might continue to store last year's apples until mid-July. “The prices have drastically decreased compared to the rates during the main apple season in October-November 2023,” they lamented.

“The increasing presence of South African apples in retail supermarkets and on e-commerce platforms across the country has exacerbated the situation. This influx has further reduced demand for Kashmiri apples, driving prices down and causing substantial losses for growers and traders,” they said.

Sameer Ahmad, a grower, said that in previous years, they received around Rs 1500-2000 per apple box in Indian markets during spring. However, this year, there is almost no demand, and prices are declining daily, leading to significant losses, he said, adding that while there was good demand during October-November last year, the current year has seen a sharp decline.

Growers also criticised the government's slogan of "Sab Ka Sath, Sab Ka Vikas" (Together With All, Development For All), claiming that despite promises to ban apple imports, the ground reality remains unchanged. They urged the government to take immediate steps to address the issue.

Experts say there are multiple reasons for the down market. "The import of apples from various countries, including Africa and Iran, is a major factor,” they said, adding that there is a need for strategic interventions to support apple growers during this critical period.

CA unit holders said they are also facing challenges as their stores remain occupied. They said that with the upcoming harvest of peaches, cherries, and other products, they need to clear the apple produce to make space.

“Currently, around 25-30 per cent of the produce is still in cold storage units. We hope for an increase in demand to fetch better returns. However, the market remains very low,” said one of the CA unit holders, wishing anonymity.

Notably, approximately three lakh metric tons of apples are stored in different CA storages across Kashmir. On average, Kashmir produces over 20 lakh metric tonnes of apples annually, sometimes reaching up to 25 lakh metric tonnes.

According to the 2017 economic survey in J&K, half of Kashmir’s population is directly or indirectly dependent on the apple industry, with over 3.5 lakh hectares under apple cultivation.

PULWAMA — The fruit growers and traders in Kashmir who had kept their produce in cold storage units said they are facing huge losses as rates have plummeted to an all-time low.

Speaking to the news agency KNO, the growers and traders said they have been facing huge losses as rates have been going down with each passing day. They said currently apple boxes are being sold at Rs 300-400 per box while the rates of C-grade apples in the main season were more than that.

Mudasir Ahmad, a fruit trader, said that he had purchased around 10 thousand apple crates at around Rs 1000-1500 per crate and kept them in cold storage units in Lassipora Pulwama. He said currently his apple crates are fetching just around Rs 300-400 only due to which he faces a loss of Rs 1000-1200 per crate which is around one crore rupees of loss.

"I have been doing fruit business for the last 10 years but have earned just a few lakhs in the last 10 years as I have been facing a loss in crores which has left me and my family in depression," Mudasir said, adding that same is the case of other fruit traders who have purchased and kept their produce in CA stores.

Traders said they stopped packing their produce for some time but are aware that they can't keep it there for a long time. "Six to seven months have already passed since we kept it there," they said.

"Even the C-grade apples fetched more returns in the main season and this is an all-time low rate of produce kept in cold storage units," they said. "This is because apples in bulk quantity have been reaching Indian markets from different countries, thereby denting local apples."

Meanwhile, cold unit holders sought the government's intervention under these conditions. "Otherwise, this may have a negative impact on cold storage units," they said.

Anjum Abrar, a manager of one such unit, said there is a positive impact of cold storage units that they maintain the supply and demand chain, which benefits growers by ensuring favourable returns. "If the produce kept in cold storage units won't fetch good returns, then how will people prefer to keep their produce in CA stores?" he asked.

"The government must intervene in stopping the import of apples so that Kashmiri growers and traders fetch good returns," Abrar said.

He said that the cold storage units have been employing thousands of people. "Neglecting this sector would impact the livelihoods of thousands of workers," he said.

SRINAGAR — A remarkable trend is unfolding in Kashmir with farmers and horticulturists embracing exotic apple plant varieties over traditional ones. As per the news agency KNO, this surge in interest is reshaping the agricultural landscape of the region, known for its traditional apple cultivation.

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift towards cultivating exotic varieties of apples, spurred by changing consumer preferences and evolving market dynamics.

Varieties including Red Velox, Pink Lady, Redlum Gala, Scarlet II, Golden Delicious and Jeromine are ruling the roost in Kashmir these days. These varieties, known for their distinctive flavours, textures, and extended shelf life, are increasingly finding favour among consumers both domestically and internationally.

Aarif Bhat, a progressive farmer from Baramulla district, shares his experience, "I have been cultivating traditional apple varieties for decades, but I decided to diversify my orchard by introducing exotic varieties. The response has been overwhelming, with buyers showing great interest in these apples."

The shift towards exotic apple varieties is not only driven by consumer demand but also by economic factors. Farmers are recognizing the potential for higher returns associated with cultivating these premium varieties.

“A box of Red Velox apples costs almost 30 per cent more than the traditional variety. So, growers are increasingly shifting from traditional to exotic varieties to make more money,” said Mohammad Shahbaz, an apple dealer.

As such various entrepreneurs have emerged in the valley who grow the nurseries of such varieties to sell to growers during the season.

“We grow varieties of apple plants in the nursery. For the last five years, we have been associated with the farming of these varieties and growers come from various districts to buy saplings from our nursery,” said Abdul Quyoom Bhat, an entrepreneur.

Pertinently, the government too is encouraging and promoting the high-density apple plantation in Kashmir to grow the income of farmers.

The Department of Horticulture has set a target to bring 5500 hectares of land under the Modified High-Density Plantation Scheme in Jammu and Kashmir by 2026.

According to government figures, Kashmir exports more than 20 lakh metric tonnes of apples every year, and the horticulture industry is pegged to be worth around 9,000 to 10,000 crore including the employment it generates. Kashmir produces 75 per cent of the total apple production in the country.

SRINAGAR — With Ramadan in progress, demand for Kashmiri apples has soared across India. Since the beginning of Ramadan, growers have started shipping apples, which were stored in cold storages, to the rest of India.

As per the growers, the apples currently have a good demand across India as the holy month of Ramadan is in progress.

“CA-stored apples have a good demand right now. Right now Kashmiri apples are being shipped to the leading fruit markets of India. We still have a huge quantity of apples still stored in cold chain facilities ready to be shipped to the various markets of India,” President North Kashmir Fruit Growers and Dealers Association, Fayaz Ahmad Malik, told the news agency KNO.

With Ramadan being a time of increased consumption of fruits and other nutritious foods, Kashmiri apples have become a staple on Iftar tables in many households. According to reports, the demand for Kashmiri apples has soared in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru.

Apple growers said the rate of apples ranges between Rs 1500-1600 in various fruit markets in India. “CA-stored apples get a good price since they become available in various cities of India during the off-season. Right now, an apple box costs from Rs 1500-1600,” Malik said.

Apple growers said Ramadan often proves to be a lucrative season for Kashmiri apples given their demand in various cities of India.

“During the current season, only Kashmiri apples become available in the markets of India. So, growers ship a bulk quantity of apples to various fruit markets. The CA-stored apples will hit markets for the next three months,” said Shabir Ahmad Khan, an apple grower who too has preferred to ship his CA-stored apples to New Delhi’s Azadpur Fruit Mandi during Ramadan.

CA stores have come as a shot in the arm for apple growers of Kashmir, who get good returns of the crop during the off-season. As per the apple growers, all the CA stores were occupied at full capacity as the rates of apples this season have been comparatively better.

SRINAGAR — Nearly 500 apple boxes were stolen from an orchard last night in the Batapora Niladang village of south Kashmir’s Shopian district, according to the owner of the property.

As per the news agency CNS, Ghulam Hassan Wagay, who is the owner of the orchard, said that around 500 boxes containing apples were kept in a shed in his orchard and all of those were stolen during an intervening night of December 11 and 12 by some thieves.

“No one can do such an act other than thieves. I had recently packed the apples in the boxes to sell them off but nothing has been left there,” Wagay said.

He said that all his year’s hard work had been squandered by the thieves in their single act and estimated the loss incurred by him in lakhs.

“It is very unfortunate that incidents like this keep happening in Shopian. Recently, at another place, at least over 400 apple boxes were stolen. Recurring of these incidents is a very serious issue which demands the focus of district administration and police to prevent occurrences of such incidents in future,” he added.

Wagay also said that the police have already registered a case and he is hopeful that the persons behind the theft would be caught soon.

SRINAGAR — In order to protect the interests of the country's apple producers, the Central government has amended its import policy for apples by introducing Minimum Important Price (MIP) and banning the import of apples costing below Rs 50 per kg.

According to an official notification issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, as per the news agency KNO, the import of apples is now prohibited and import is free only if CIF value is above Rs 50 per kg.

"In exercise of powers conferred by Section 3 read with Section 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, read with paragraph 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, as amended from time to time, the Central government hereby amends the import policy condition under ITC (HS) 08081000 of Chapter-08 of ITC (HS), 2022, Schedule-I (Import Policy),” reads the notification.

Import of apples under ITC (HS) 08081000 is now 'Prohibited' wherever the CIF Import Price is less than equal to Rs. 50/- per kilogram. However, these Minimum Import Price (MIP) conditions shall not be applicable to imports from Bhutan.

Notably, the apple growers of J&K and other parts of the country have been raising the issue of free import of apples from different countries as it was decreasing the rate of apples being produced here.

Several fruit growers' associations have been advocating and writing to higher-ups for an import cap to protect the country's apple farmers.

Ghulam Hassan Nengroo, President Dachnipora Fruit Growers Association said that the horticulture industry is in a critical stage in Kashmir as it has faced many challenges in the last few years. "The major challenge to this industry was importing apples from Iran and other countries without any tax and if the government did not intervene, this industry would collapse."

He said that the government has intervened at the right time and they are hopeful the order will be implemented on the ground to implement growers.

Chairman Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union Srinagar, Bashir Ahmad Basheer said that if Iranian apples are still imported, there should be a 100% import duty on them so that they do not affect markets here.

Pertinently, Kashmir on average produces over 20 lakh metric tonnes of apple every year, a figure that in some years touches 25 lakh metric tonnes.

The 2017 economic survey in J&K said that half of Kashmir’s population is directly or indirectly dependent on the apple industry and over 3.5 lakh hectares are under apple cultivation.

NEW DELHI — In a marathon meeting held today to take stock of traffic movement on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta impressed upon the concerned traffic authorities to clear the stranded traffic within 24 hours and certify the same at the earliest.

The meeting was virtually attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Production; Additional Chief Secretary, Home; both the Divisional Commissioners, Secretary of Transport; IG Traffic; concerned Deputy Commissioners and other senior officers from Traffic Department and those from NHAI.

The Chief Secretary directed the Traffic Department to formulate a viable plan for the smooth movement of traffic on the highway in association with fruit growers. He asked them to ensure that the fruit-laden trucks leaving from the Valley should reach their destinations, taking appropriate time without any undue delay.

Dr Mehta urged them to submit daily reports to his office about the travel time and the number of vehicles reaching Jammu or Srinagar, leaving from opposite directions. He enjoined upon them to publish daily the number of vehicles stranded including place and reasons thereof. He asked them to simultaneously give the time required for the restoration of the normal traffic on this road.

The traffic management authorities were asked to augment manpower from all sources to regulate traffic efficiently. He stressed enforcing lane discipline on this highway, especially on critical stretches between Banihal and Ramban. He underscored the need of ensuring that no roadside parking is allowed except at designated parking spaces only.

For seasonal migration, the Tribal Affairs Department and Deputy Commissioners were directed to facilitate the “Deras” to move on the highway in trucks along with their family members and livestock. They were asked to make these arrangements for their easement and better traffic management on this vital link between the capital cities.

The Divisional and traffic management authorities were further told to encourage the traffic to use Mughal Road, especially the vehicles loaded with less perishable items. They were asked to augment manpower on the road to monitor and manage it effectively at places that are slide-prone and have less width.

Further, the NHAI was directed to follow all timelines given in by the Chief Secretary in his last meeting for clearance of muck from Cafeteria Morh and Mehar. They were asked to improve the overall road surface besides blacktopping of the potholed portion between Banihal and Ramban. They were also encouraged to complete the vital T-5 Tunnel and widen of Ramsoo-Rampari-Sherbibi stretch of the road for the long-term solution of this recurring problem.

It was said that all the directions would be carried out in letter and spirit so that the travel time on the highway gets reduced considerably besides ensuring that no vehicle remains stranded for hours together.

SRINAGAR — The halting of fruit-laden trucks on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway persists with about 6000 trucks waiting, some since October 2, to reach Jammu.

President Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union (KVFGCDU) Bashir Ahmad told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that for a few days apple laden trucks were allowed to move towards Jammu while halting for just one or two days.

He said since October 02 the situation has again reached to square one with 6000 trucks waiting for their turn to move towards Jammu.

He said that the among the apple-laden trucks which are waiting for their turn, there are few hundred trucks which are waiting for their turn since October 2.

He said that on every alternate day around 3000 trucks are getting loaded here in Kashmir but just a few hundreds are allowed to move towards Jammu and others get time after three, five or even seven days to move towards Jammu.

He said that the government claims are confined to press notes only and situation is worse on the ground.

“I have never witnessed such things in last four years,” he said, adding, “even meeting with Home Minister Amit and others have beared no fruits as their assurances have proved hoax on the ground.”

He said that market is also getting down each passing day as fruits are reaching markets late.

Notably, around 70 percent of population in Kashmir are directly or indirectly dependent on apple industry.

SRINAGAR — After facing losses due to the halting of trucks on NH44, apple growers in Kashmir are now suffering due to freight rise, transport shortage and low demand for the fruit.

Growers from several areas told the news agency KNO that the demand for the fruit has remained low this year so far but freight has doubled and there is a shortage of trucks to carry apples outside Kashmir.

Shabir Ahmad, a grower from Shopian, said that they spend their savings on orchards but the returns are not satisfactory this year. He cites the increasing cost of labour, fertilizer and pesticide.

He said that growers are not able to get the amount they spend on orchards, incurring losses. “Freight rates have doubled in the last few days and even growers who are ready to pay the amount are unable to get trucks,” he added.

President Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers cum Dealers Union (KVFGCDU), Bashir Ahmad, admitted that freight charges have doubled in the last few days.

Due to the glut of fruit in markets outside after trucks were allowed smooth passage, he said, the demand for the fruit has decreased. Also, the transport shortage is because trucks are outside Kashmir with apples. He added that an actual assessment of the losses is being done.

SRINAGAR — Amid widespread outrage in Kashmir over the stranding of apple trucks, the Jammu & Kashmir Government has attached Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic, National Highway, Shabir Ahmad Malik.

In an order, a copy of which is in possession of the news agency KNO, the government has ordered the attachment of Shabir Ahmad Malik.

“In the interest of the administration, Shabir Ahmad Malik, SSP Traffic, NHW, is hereby transferred and attached with police headquarters, J&K, with immediate effect. Ms. Mohita Sharma, SSP Ramban, shall hold the additional charge of the said post, till further orders,” reads the order.

SRINAGAR — Divisional Commissioner Kashmir P K Pole on Monday said that all trucks stranded on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway will be cleared by tonight and that there were natural reasons for halting trucks on the highway.

Talking to the news agency KNO, Pole said that all trucks including fruit-laden trucks will be cleared on the national highway by tonight. He added that trucks and other vehicles are only halted on the highway when there are shooting stones at some places along the highway and due to inclement weather.

“The allegations levelled by fruit growers’ associations that trucks are deliberately halted on the highway are half truth. By tonight, all trucks will be cleared on the highway,” he added.

Meanwhile, in a statement, a spokesperson said that all stranded Jammu-bound trucks will be cleared by tonight and around 4000 trucks were on their way. The statement reads that around 46,000 goods-laden trucks including 29000 apple trucks have been sent out of Kashmir since September 1.

“The claim made by certain fruit growers’ associations on the halting of fruit trucks is half-truth and natural reasons are hindering traffic. We have difficulties in the movement of traffic on the highway due to rains and resultant shooting stones which is beyond human control,” it added.

It further reads that normally apple production in Kashmir is 17 metric tons but due to abundant rainfall, there has been a bumper crop and will cross 21 metric tons.

“Truckers should use the alternate Mughal road to lessen the burden on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, while the administration is making all efforts to maintain the flow. Drivers of empty vehicles are also appealed to use Mughal road,” it added.

SRINAGAR — As a mark of protest to press for smooth passage to fruit-laden trucks on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway, Fruit Mandis across Kashmir remained shut for the second consecutive day.

Several fruit growers and buyers told the news agency KNO that they continue to face losses due to unnecessarily blocking of the highway at Qazigund. "Despite government directions, authorities have failed to ensure the hassle-free movement of apple-laden trucks on the national highway," they alleged.

"Fruit-laden trucks are being halted at Qazigund for around a week after that they get a turn to move towards Jammu despite clear directives to ensure the hassle-free movement of fruit-laden trucks," Mudasir Ahmed, a fruit buyer said.

He said it seems that the authorities are in no mood to put an end to the miseries being faced by the fruit industry.

"It was earlier taking seven days to reach fruit trucks from Sopore Fruit Mandi to Bangladesh but now it's taking at least 12-15 days and the same is happening with others and upon reaching the destiny, the items we supply get spoiled and are of no use," said Fazzul Rehman, a foreigner who is dealing with fruit trade at Fruit Mandi Sopore for decades. He added that they are now on the verge to wind up the business as they are facing huge losses.

President, Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers-cum-Dealers Union (KVFGCDU), Bashir Ahmad told KNO that they were hopeful that the government will take their issue seriously.

He said they expect the government to implement the directions for smooth passage to trucks. “We want our produce to reach its destination outside the Valley in time,” he said.

Bashir said that Mughal road, which the government has kept as an alternative for the trucks, is not feasible as the condition of the road is not good.

Mandis to resume functioning from tomorrow: KVFGDU

Amid protests against the ‘unnecessary’ halt of fruit-laden trucks along the Srinagar-Jammu highway, the fruit growers on Monday met the Transport Secretary and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Traffic, seeking immediate redressal of their grievances.

The delegation of fruit growers under the banner of Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers-cum-Dealers Union (KVFGDU) met the officials today and apprised them about their sufferings and losses due to the halt of fruit-laden trucks along the highway.

The government has assured them that all the stranded fruit-laden trucks on the way to Jammu will be cleared tonight and more proactive steps will be taken to end the miseries of fruit growers and dealers.

President of KVFGDU, Bashir Ahmad told the news agency KNO that during the meeting with IGP Traffic and Transport Secretary, they were assured that all fruit-laden trucks halted in Qazigund will be cleared tonight and priority will be given to fruit-laden trucks.

He said that since Sunday, the movement of apple-laden trucks is continuously being allowed to move towards Jammu and they are hopeful that the government will prioritize the movement of apple-laden trucks.

He, on behalf of all fruit associations, thanked government officials who were part of the meeting, especially IGP Traffic for listening to their issues and assuring that additional steps will be taken to increase the flow of apple trucks.

Meanwhile, the top officials told KNO that since September 1, 45923 trucks (including 17631 apple trucks) have moved from Srinagar to Jammu via tunnel as per the details provided by NHAI. Trucks have been allowed to ply from Srinagar to Jammu on the last three consecutive days: September 24, 25 and 26.

On September 24, only 825 trucks (including 671 apple trucks) were allowed to ply after shooting stones started at Mehar and the traffic had to be suspended. On September 25, 4554 trucks (including 3995 apple trucks) were released, out of which 1500 trucks got stranded at Mehar on account of shooting stones and have passed down to Jammu today.

On September 26, trucks have again been released from Srinagar to Jammu and the backlog of all the approx 2500 trucks at Qazigund will get cleared today itself, as per the officials.

Further, apple trucks are given priority for release in traffic at Qazigund as shown by the large majority of apple trucks in the trucks released each day. “Hence in no case does any apple truck remain stranded at Qazigund for more than two days contrary to the false claims and propaganda that is being spread by vested interests. Traffic Police, J&K will initiate strict action against individuals who are spreading false and unverified information regarding the movement of apple trucks,” they added further.

Moreover, the Traffic Police has taken a number of additional steps to increase the flow of apple trucks, they said.

SRINAGAR — Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Agriculture Production Department (APD), Atal Dulloo today chaired a meeting at Civil Secretariat here to discuss the issues/difficulties pertaining to the movement of trucks carrying fruits and vegetables on the national highway from the valley.

While chairing the meeting, Atal Dulloo directed the concerned authorities to take immediate measures so that fruit-laden trucks are provided with a smooth passage.

ACS directed Police and Traffic authorities to provide round-the-clock and hassle-free safe passage to the fruit-laden trucks on the interior roads and highway on priority basis and avoid unwarranted stoppages enroute.

He further directed them to monitor the fruit transportation on a daily basis besides they will hold review meetings with fruit growers and other concerned officers and take further course of necessary action.

Atal Dulloo said that fruits and vegetables, being perishable commodities, need hassle-free passage of movement from Kashmir valley and all measures shall be taken to ensure early, prompt and remunerative marketing.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Tribal Affairs, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary; Secretary in Agriculture Production Department, Mohammad Akbar Wani; senior officers from Horticulture, Agriculture, Traffic, Police Departments and fruit growers.

SRINAGAR — A strong peaceful protest was held on Wednesday under the banner of Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers-cum-Dealers Union in all Fruit Mandi’s of the Valley against the deliberate stoppage of apple and pear loaded trucks on various spots of Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.

In its press release, the Fruit Growers-cum-Dealers Union said that the protests were held in several districts and areas of Kashmir including Srinagar, Sopore, Baramulla, Handwara, Charar-i-Sharief, Shopian, Pulwama, Anantnag, Jablipora, Kulgam, Khoi, Pachahar, Zazna Ganderbal etc against deliberate stoppage of apple/pear loaded trucks on various spots of Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH44) for two-three days with the result the apple and pear consignments get boiled and damage.

"During the protest rally, it is agitated that apple and pear loaded trucks are allowed to ply on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway only for three hours and thereafter stopped in the way when it is not possible to pass the Qazigund/Lowermunda within a short spell of three hours," it said.

"Since the Valley-based fruit growers/dealers are extremely worried of the late arrival of their fruits to respective destinations within the country with the apprehension of heavy losses," it said.

The statement further reads that the Chairman of Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers-cum-Dealers Union, Mr Bashir Ahmad Basheer, therefore, have made an appeal to the Lieutenant Governor’s administration that since the Valley-based fruit growers and dealers have already suffered heavy losses over the last several years due to natural calamity, all apple and pear laden trucks may, therefore, kindly be allowed from 11:00 AM to 04:00 AM of next day without any interruption so that apple and pear crop may arrive to respective destinations of the country safely and fruit growers and dealers are saved from heavy losses.

SRINAGAR — In a major setback to Kashmir's most vital industry horticulture, the prices of packing material of apples have increased abruptly due to which apple growers fear losses.

Growers across Kashmir, while talking to the news agency KNO, said that the cost of packing material has increased by around 30 to 40 per cent in Kashmir in the last few days only due to which growers are fearing losses.

Fayaz Ahmad, an apple grower from Shopian, said, "Usually, we were purchasing wooden apple boxes at Rs 70 to 80 but this time the same boxes are being sold at Rs 110 to 130." He said that they were getting cardboard boxes at Rs 35 to 40 but the same boxes are being sold for around Rs 50 this year.

Other growers also echoed the same voice and said that cost of apple boxes, papers and other things besides the labour rate has also increased due to which growers are fearing losses this year.

They said that rates have increased abruptly and it will prove disastrous for the growers as growers have suffered huge losses due to COVID-19, untimely snowfall, hailstorms and other things in the last few years.

They requested the government to look into the matter and take steps to check the reasons behind the abrupt price hike.

President of Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers and Dealers Association and New Kashmir Fruit Association, Bashir Ahmad Bashir told KNO that the price of packing material has increased sharply in Kashmir and rates of almost every fruit have remained low this year.

He said that the price hike is of around 30 to 40 per cent this year and government must intervene at the earliest, otherwise, growers will face losses.

SRINAGAR — Apple growers in south Kashmir are very much concerned about the outbreak of Alternaria leaf blotch in orchards, causing huge scars on the leaves of trees.

According to apple growers, the disease became evident on the leaves and trees spread over vast tracts of land after recent incessant rains.

Aafaq Ahmad, a grower from Pulwama, said that trees are shedding leaves and it could hit the yield of fruits. “We have sprayed different types of insecticides but still the disease is spreading rapidly,” he said, as per news agency Kashmir News Observer.

Meanwhile, authorities have issued an advisory, asking orchardists to ensure proper orchard sanitation.

"In view of the recent rains followed by prevailing hot and dry weather conditions, most of the apple plantations are experiencing physiological stress, giving rise to Necrotic Leaf Blotch/Apple Lenticle Blotch/Yellowing of seaves and minor incidences of Alternaria Leaf Blotch as well,” reads an advisory.

It added, "All the apple farmers are advised to adopt measures to check the adverse effects of prevailing weather conditions which includes ensuring proper orchard sanitation, ensuring removal of green grass/weeds growing in their orchards, especially under the tree canopy, ensuring proper basin management and mulching with straw/grass/mulching film under the tree canopy for soil moisture conservation and addition to this, ensure spray of any one of the fungicides during early morning hours before any fresh rains are received."

The recommended fungicides as per advisory includes Metiram 55% + Pyraclostrobin 5% 60WG: 100gm per 100 litres of water, Zineb 68% + Hexaconazole 4% 72WP 150gm, Mancozeb-75WP 300gm, Zineb-75WP 300gm and Propineb-70WP 300gm per 100 hundred litres of water.