Srinagar: Director Horticulture Kashmir on Monday issued an advisory to orchardists amid the ongoing ‘heavy’ snow spell in the Valley.
In his advisory, Aijaz Ahmad Bhat, has asked the orchardists to remove excess water from orchards and remove the snow from the tree branches gently.
The official has however urged the orchardists to maintain caution while removing the snow from newly-planted trees. “Shake trees gently to remove snow particularly shake newly-planted trees so as to prevent damage to new roots as they take couple of years to anchor firmly in the soil”, the advisory reads.
“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 tree to its original position after heavy pruning and provide support staking to the main trunk”, it reads.
“Cover the roots with soil, if roots become exposed or naked”, it reads further.
For any other assistance, growers can call on helpline number 0194-2311287 or email their grievances at kashmirhorticulture@gmail.com. (GNS)
