In wake of heavy snowfall in Kashmir, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, Director Horticulture Kashmir on Monday asked the Orchardists to remove excess water from their orchards and remove snow from tree branches gently.
In an advisory, the Director Horticulture stressed upon the orchardists to clean water channels/drains and to ensure complete drainage from the orchards. “Besides, shake trees gently to remove snow from their branches and crotches particularly shake newly planted trees so as to prevent damage to new roots as they take a couple of years to anchor firmly in the soil. If the fruit trees tilt, 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 heavy pruning and provide proper support staking to the main trunk,” the advisory reads.
Further he added that to cover the roots with soil, if roots become exposed, naked. For any other assistance, growers can call on helpline number 0194-2311287 or email their grievances at kashmrihorticulture@gmail.com