Snow “forecast”: Here is Horticulture Dept advisory for Kashmir orchardists

Srinagar, Nov 1: Keeping in view the snow forecast made by the Indian Metrological Department Srinagar for the first week of November; the following advisory is issued by the Horticulture Department Kashmir for the orchardists to follow in case of any such precipitation, in order to prevent any damage which may be caused to the fruit trees due to heavy rains and snowfall.

This is in continuation to the already published advisory on 16/10/2022.

Unharvested fruit should be immediately harvested and stored properly for packaging and subsequent sale as has already been published in previous advisory dated:-16-10-2022.

Start and expedite the pruning of fruit trees in order to lower the load of fruit trees and reduce the size of out-spreading branches which are more prone to snow damage
Shake trees to remove snow immediately from the branches after snowfall to prevent their bending and subsequent damage.

If the fruit trees are tilted, reduce the canopy load by pruning, and provide proper support.

If the trees get partially uprooted, slowly pull back the trees to the original position after support/staking to the main trunk to prevent further fall/ movement.

If the top portion of the tree breaks, give the damaged branches an oblique cut 2-3 inches below the broken point and apply Bordeau mixture/Chaubatia paste on the cut surface.

If any scaffold branch breaks and bark is still intact, after heavy pruning, bring the branch to the original position by tying with a rope and/or bolting or using nails. Ensure that the union remains tight and apply Bordeaux/Chaubatia paste on the cut surface.
If the main trunk splits into two or three parts, it can be treated the same way as has been illustrated above in point no.7.

If roots get exposed, cover the roots back with soil to avoid desiccation and damage.