Srinagar, Jan 4: In wake of heavy snowfall in Kashmir, Director Horticulture Kashmir Aijaz Ahmed Bhat on Monday asked the Orchardists to remove excess water from their orchards and remove snow from the tree branches gently.
Bhat in an audio message advisory addressed to the orchardists, he said, “Clear water channels and drains to ensure complete drainage from the orchards. Shake trees gently to remove snow immediately from their branches and crotches. Shake newly planted trees to prevent damage to new roots as they take a couple of years to anchor firmly in the soil. 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 trees to the original position after heavy pruning and provide proper support staking to the main trunk,” he said.
If roots become exposed, naked, immediately cover the roots with soil to avoid further damage, he added according to KNS correspondent.
Last year the early snow caused huge damage to apple trees across the North and South Kashmir.Its second day of snowfall in Kashmir, The Srinagar-Jammu and Srinagar-Leh highways have been closed for traffic as all flights to and from the Srinagar international airport were also cancelled yesterday. (KNS)
