Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 7: The Department of Horticulture has begun assessing damages caused by the recent untimely snowfall across various parts of Kashmir, officials said today.
Deputy Director Horticulture, Kashmir, Javid Ahmad Bhat said that field officers have been directed to carry out on-ground assessments of possible losses to fruit crops, particularly apples.
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“Assessment of damages, if any, due to the untimely snowfall is currently underway. We have directed all concerned officers to ensure necessary evaluation, and we will get the figures soon,” Bhat said.
He said that while most of the apple harvesting had already been completed, some late-maturing varieties were still on the trees when the snowfall occurred.
The official added that farmers who could not harvest their crop before the snowfall will also have their losses assessed.
He advised growers to wait for the weather to turn dry before resuming harvest operations to prevent further damage.
Bhat also urged orchardists to ensure that water does not accumulate in their fields or orchards to avoid additional damage to the trees.
“Most of the fruit has been harvested, and only about one to two percent of orchards remain. We are taking due care to minimize the impact of this untimely weather and are also ensuring awareness among farmers,” he said.
Regarding the assessment of damages caused due to floods earlier, Bhat said that the necessary reports have been prepared and submitted to the Government.
“The flood assessment has been completed and sent to the Government. The final decision now rests with them,” he added.
The department has assured farmers that detailed loss figures will be made public once the ongoing assessment exercise concludes.
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