Srinagar October 19:(KNS) The Horticulture Department Kashmir on Tuesday issued an advisory to apple growers to harvest apple crops as early as possible in view of early snowfall as predicted by Metrological department. 

In view of the weather forecast by Metrological Department with possibility of Heavy Rains and Snowfall in Kashmir Division on 23rd and 24th of October the Department of Horticulture urges fruit growers to speedup harvesting of fruits and its proper storage,

 Cleaning of drainage channels so that stagnation of water does not take place in orchards, they said. 

They also added that proper support to the trees which were earlier damaged or uprooted due to last year snowfall.

 Farmers to remain vigilant and in case of snowfall must visit their orchards periodically and shake trees so that snow does not accumulate on the limbs, they added. 

 Farmers may also prefer to start pruning in their orchards where, in view of the harsh weather advisory.

However, there is no need of any panic and for further assistance please contact your nearest Horticulture Office or office of Chief Horticulture Officer of the District.

While talking to Kashmir News Service (KNS) Director General Horticulture Aijaz Ahmed said that, last the untimely snow has caused huge damage to fruit industry, keeping in view, we are urging apple growers to be vigilant in case of early snowfall. 

The apple growers, farmers have to speed up the harvesting of crops as the weather department has predicted snowfall fall on 23 and 25th October. 

To avoid loss and damage to apple orchards, the growers have to speed up harvesting, and pruning their trees, he added. (KNS)