Fruit Fall in Apple Orchards: Agri Minister Orders Survey, Sets Up Expert Panel 

Ziraat Times News Desk

Srinagar, June 24: Agriculture Production Minister Javid Ahmad Dar on Tuesday reviewed the recent incidents of premature fruit fall reported from horticulture belts in Shopian and Anantnag districts and ordered a comprehensive assessment of the damage, while constituting a committee to ascertain the causes and recommend corrective measures.

The minister chaired a meeting attended by senior officers of the Agriculture and Horticulture departments to assess the extent of losses suffered by orchardists and review measures being taken for mitigation.

Taking stock of damage reported from various orchard belts, Dar directed officials to undertake a detailed ground-level survey for accurate quantification of losses and ensure timely submission of assessment reports.

Emphasising the need for a broader response, the minister called for an immediate assessment of fruit drop incidents across all major apple-growing districts of Jammu and Kashmir, with special focus on identifying vulnerable apple varieties and high-risk orchard locations.

Expressing concern over the possible role of substandard agrochemicals, Dar instructed the Enforcement Wing of the department to intensify field inspections and take strict action against the sale and distribution of unauthorized or inferior quality pesticides and plant protection chemicals.

To facilitate a scientific investigation into the issue, the minister directed the constitution of a committee headed by the Director Horticulture, Kashmir. The panel has been tasked with carrying out a detailed assessment, identifying the underlying causes behind the fruit fall incidents and submitting its findings within a stipulated timeframe.

Dar also stressed the importance of balanced nutrient management and directed officers to ensure wider dissemination of scientific advisories among growers. He asked the department to provide handholding support to orchardists on scientific orchard management practices to minimize the risk of recurrence of such incidents.

The meeting was attended by Director Agriculture Kashmir, Director Horticulture Kashmir, Director Enforcement J&K, Director HPMC, Director Horticulture (Planning and Marketing) J&K and other stakeholders.