Shopian | April 19, 2025:
In response to the recent hailstorm that struck several areas of Shopian district, the Department of Horticulture has issued an urgent advisory for orchardists, recommending timely preventive measures to safeguard their fruit crops from further damage.
According to the advisory accessed by JKNS, Chief Horticulture Officer Muneer Ahmad Wani has advised orchardists to carry out fungicide sprays once weather conditions stabilize. The sprays must be prepared in 100 litres of water per treatment, depending on the fruit variety.
🍎 Recommendations for Apple and Pear Orchards:
- Mancozeb 75WP – 300g
- Propineb 70WP – 300g
- Zineb 75WP – 300g
- Zineb 68% + Hexaconazole 4% – 125g
Farmers are also advised to:
- Remove fallen leaves immediately
- Ensure proper drainage across orchard land to avoid fungal growth
🍒 Recommendations for Cherry, Apricot, Plum, Peach, and Almond:
- Carbendazim 50WP – 50g
- Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% 75WP – 250g
- Thiophanate Methyl 70WP – 50g
📞 Helpline Numbers for Assistance:
Orchardists in need of help can contact the following officials:
- Muneer Ahmad Wani (Chief Horticulture Officer) – 7889740581
- Nisar Ahmad Ganie (DLSMS Shopian) – 7006128449
- Arshad Ahmad Pal (HDO, Shopian/Keller) – 9419031484
- Ghulam Mohd. Wani (HDO, Imamshahi/Keegam) – 7005636417
- Javaid Ahmad Dar (HDO, Kachdora/Sadipora/Zainapora) – 9622837337
- Mohammad Abbas Mir (Sr. Technician, Hermain) – 7006051991
- Asif Mohammad (Sr. Technician, Kaprin) – 7005655491
The department urged farmers to act immediately to limit crop damage and preserve orchard health during this critical phase of the season.
