Baramulla April 14:(KNS)    Director Horticulture Kashmir,  Ajaz Bhat (JKAS) on Thursday visited various areas of district Baramulla viz. Sherpora, Mamoosa, Kanloo, Babagund, Sari, Nehalpora, Lalpora Kunzer, Lalpora Tangmarg, Dobiwan, Pinjoora etc., which have witnessed hailstorm causing damage to fruit crops.

He was accompanied by Chief Horticulture Officer Baramulla and other field functionaries of the Department. Pertinent to mention that yesterday evening hailstorm occurred in various parts of the valley, however its severity was not much in other districts.

Speaking on the occasion Director General expressed his sympathies with the affected fruit growers. Referring to the extent of the damage he said that about 20-25% is damage has occurred in these areas. He advised the orchardists not to panic as it is still in recoverable stage. He further said that special teams have been framed in the affected districts to assess the losses.

Moreover, the orchardists of the affected areas were advised to follow the below mentioned recommendations:

· The orchards be immediately sprayed with any one of the following fungicides (per 100 lit. of water):

ü  Zineb 68% + Hexaconazole 4% 72 WP (100 g) or

ü  Metiram 55% + Pyraclostrobin 5% 60 WG (100 g) or

ü  Mancozeb 75 WP (300g) or Zineb 75 WP (300 g) or

ü  Zineb 75 WP (300 g)

 · In addition to the above, the orchards may be sprayed with Urea @ 0.2% (200 g per 100 lit. of water)

· Maintain proper orchard sanitation and remove fallen fruit/leaves from the orchard.(KNS)