Ambri apple revival takes centre stage at SKUAST-Kashmir event

Ziraat Times News Desk

Shopian, August 7: The revival and conservation of Kashmir’s iconic Ambri apple, along with scientific orchard management and mechanisation, emerged as key themes at a Field Day-cum-Fruit Show organised by Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) under HADP-18 at the Ambri Apple Research Centre (AARC), Pahnoo, Shopian, on Friday.

The programme was inaugurated by SKUAST-K Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie in the presence of scientists, extension experts, progressive orchardists and other stakeholders.

Senior Scientist at AARC Dr. Hamidullah welcomed the participants and briefed them about the research and extension activities being undertaken by the Centre. Participants were also taken through the research orchard and fruit exhibition showcasing different apple cultivars and selections.

Director Extension, SKUAST-K, Dr. Raihana Habib Kanth, stressed the need for wider adoption of modern orchard technologies, scientific canopy management, balanced nutrition and precision orchard practices to improve productivity in both traditional and high-density apple orchards.

A live demonstration on orchard mechanisation was another major attraction of the programme. Dr. Tariq Rasool, Professor and Principal Investigator, HADP-18, demonstrated different types of automated mist sprayers and explained how the technology could improve spray efficiency and canopy coverage while reducing pesticide use and labour costs in traditional as well as high-density orchards.

Speaking on the conservation of Kashmir’s horticultural heritage, Ziraat Times founder Arjimand Hussain emphasised the need to protect indigenous apple cultivars, particularly the Ambri apple, which he described as an important part of the region’s horticultural heritage. He also proposed a “Virasat Revival” programme aimed at preserving and reviving Kashmir’s traditional horticultural wealth.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie highlighted the distinctive quality and legacy of the Ambri apple and called for greater emphasis on scientific orchard management, efficient pollination and judicious use of pesticides to produce high-quality, export-oriented apples.

He also inaugurated the Fruit Show, which featured elite apple cultivars, promising selections and technical literature developed by SKUAST-K.

The interactive session provided farmers an opportunity to seek expert advice on disease management, orchard mechanisation, production technologies and marketing. The discussions also focused on strengthening the connection between agricultural research and field-level horticultural practices.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh, Scientist, AARC Pahnoo, who expressed gratitude to the chief guest, scientists, participating farmers and other stakeholders for their contribution to the successful conduct of the event.