Ganderbal, Sep 24: Lar block of district Ganderbal in Kashmir, known for a rich production of grapes, has been making mark for the quality of its produce, however, Covid lockdown and overall unfavorable situation have resulted in weak returns for the farmers here for the last two years.
Hundreds of kanals of land in Repora, Watlar and other adjoining areas of Lar block are utilized to cultivate different varieties of grapes, which include Sahibi, Kishmish, Hussieni, Thomsan and many more.
The largest production is recorded at Mode vineyard, Kralbagh in Lar block which has been established by Horticulture Department.
Around 188 hectares of land is under the grape production in this yard with the annual production of 385 metric tons.
The Horticulture Department sublets the entire yard to contractors for cultivation every year.
Ironically, for the second consecutive year the contractor and other private cultivators benefitted by Government schemes are complaining of a poor market due to the pandemic situation which has affected the economy as well.
The cultivators are going through mental stress and are seeking help from government as it has provided to other fruit growers in valley
Abdul Rashid, a local, told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that bad condition and lockdown have weakened competitiveness of our crop (grapes) for the last two years.
“Today we have about 50 houses here. And most of it has occurred damages,” Rashid said.
Rashid said that the Horticulture Department also visited the place.
“We requested the director that just like apple our crop should also be imported to different states,” he said. —(KNO)
