Raja Syed Rather
Ganderbal, Sep 24: Lar block of district Ganderbal is known for the rich production of grapes, however, the bad condition and lockdown has weakened the crops for the last two years.
Hundreds of kanals of lad in Repora, Watlar and other adjoining areas of Lar block are utilized to cultivate different varieties of grapes which include Sahibi, Kishmish, Hussieni, Thomsan and many more.
The largest production is recorded at Mode vineyard, Kralbagh in Lar block which has been established by Horticulture department.
Around 188 hectares of land is under the grape production in this yard with the annual production of 385 metric tons.
The Horticulture department sublets the entire yard to contractors for cultivation every year.
Ironically for the second consecutive year the contractor and other private cultivators benefitted by Government schemes are complaining of a poor market due to the pandemic situation which has affected the economy as well.
The cultivators are going through mental stress and are seeking help from government as it has provided to other fruit growers in valley
Abdul Rashid, a local said that bad condition and lockdown has weakened our crop (grapes) for the last two years.
“Today we have about 50 houses here. And most of it has occurred damages,” Rashid said.
Rashid said that the Horticulture Department also visited the place.
“We are grateful for the director of horticulture that he visited here twice a week,” he said.
“We requested the director that just like Apple our crop should also be imported to different states,” he said.
