SKUAST-Kashmir issues advisory for apple growers, urges safe pesticide use

Farmers advised to use only recommended agrochemicals, adopt moisture conservation measures amid growing season

Srinagar, July 2: The Directorate of Extension, SKUAST-Kashmir, has issued a comprehensive advisory for apple growers, urging orchardists to follow recommended pesticide practices and adopt proper orchard management measures to safeguard crop health and improve productivity.

The advisory asks growers to purchase pesticides only from registered dealers holding valid licences and to verify essential details such as batch number, registration number, and manufacturing and expiry dates before purchase. Farmers have also been advised to insist on proper bills or invoices and carefully read the instructions printed on pesticide labels before use.

The university has recommended that growers prepare pesticide solutions only with clean water and use pesticide brands and dosages approved by SKUAST-Kashmir. It has also advised spraying during the morning or evening hours to ensure better effectiveness and reduce risks associated with high temperatures.

To minimise health hazards, orchardists have been urged to wear protective clothing, including gloves, face masks and aprons, while handling or spraying pesticides.

Apart from plant protection measures, the advisory recommends adequate irrigation to reduce moisture stress in orchards, the use of 4–6 inch thick grass mulch around the tree canopy for moisture conservation, and application of the second dose of fertiliser where it has not already been applied.

SKUAST-Kashmir has also cautioned growers against using agrochemicals that are not recommended by the university. It has advised farmers to avoid mixing different agrochemicals in the same spray tank, preparing pesticide solutions with muddy or stagnant water, handling pesticides without protective gear, applying excessive or sub-lethal pesticide doses, and spraying during the hottest part of the day.

The university urged apple growers to strictly adhere to these recommendations to ensure safe pesticide use, protect the environment, and maintain healthy orchards during the current growing season.