Shopian, Oct 23 (KNS): Amid heavy rains and snowfall in the Valley, Director General Horticulture, Kashmir Aijaz Ahmed Bhat visits snow hit orchards of South Kashmir.

According to a statement issued to Kashmir News Service (KNS), DG Horticulture conducts an extensive tour of various places of District Pulwama and Shopian where he visited various orchards particularly the most affected areas of District Shopian viz. Zawora, Badrihama, Pinjora, Aglar, Balpora, Kanipora, Ganapora, Shirmal, Keegam, Kellar etc. He was accompanied by Joint Director Horticulture, Kashmir and concerned Chief Horticulture officers along with field functionaries.

The Director General expressed his sympathy with the effected orchardists and assured them of all possible help. He advised the farmers to continuously monitor their orchards and shake the trees regularly, so that the snow does not get accumulated on the trees.

The Director General instructed the field functionaries to closely monitor the situation and be on guards in view of the incessant rain and snowfall.

He further directed the field functionaries to assess the losses and report accordingly. As per initial reports, approximately 10% of damage has been reported from snowfall affected areas till today evening.

Pertinent to mention, that the Department of Horticulture Kashmir had already issued the weather advisory following the weather predictions made by the MET Department.

For the convenience of orchardists, a helpline No. 0194-2311484 has been established at Directorate of Horticulture, Kashmir. (KNS)