Muneeb Nazeer
Shopian, Apr 19: Following a recent hailstorm in various areas of Shopian district, the Chief Horticulture Officer has issued a detailed advisory, urging orchardists to take immediate preventive measures to protect their fruit crops.
According to the advisory accessed by news agency JKNS reads, affected orchardists are advised to spray fungicides in 100 litres of water per treatment once the weather improves. For Apple and Pear crops, the recommended fungicides are Mancozeb 75WP, Propineb 70WP, and Zineb 75WP (each @300g), along with Zineb 68% + Hexaconazole 4% (@125g). Farmers have also been advised to remove all fallen leaves immediately and maintain proper drainage in orchards.
For Cherry, Apricot, Plum, Peach, and Almond crops, the department recommends using Carbendazim 50WP (@50g), Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% 75WP (@250g), and Thiophanate Methyl 70WP (@50g), advisory reads.
In case of any assistance, orchardists can contact the Chief Horticulture Officer Muneer Ahmad Wani at 7889740581, DLSMS Shopian Nisar Ahmad Ganie at 7006128449, HDO Zone Shopian/Keller Arshad Ahmad Pal at 9419031484, HDO Zone Imamshahi/Keegam Ghulam Mohd. Wani at 7005636417, HDO Zone Kachdora/Sadipora/Zainapora Javaid Ahmad Dar at 9622837337, Sr. Horticulture Technician (Zone Hermain) Mohammad Abbas Mir at 7006051991, and Sr. Horticulture Technician (Zone Kaprin) Asif Mohammad at 7005655491, it reads.
The department has urged orchardists to follow these measures promptly to minimize the damage and ensure the health of their fruit trees. (JKNS)
