Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Oct 19: Apple growers worried about untimely snow in Kashmir have started early pruning of trees with experts terming it an unscientific move.
Growers from different areas of Kashmir said that about 30-40 percent fruit is yet to be plucked but several growers have started pruning trees as they are fearful about untimely snowfall leading to damages.
Aamir Hussian, a fruit grower from Shopian said that they are yet to pack half of their produce but they have completed pruning as they were fearful of damage caused by untimely snowfall last year.
“Our apple trees suffered huge damages last year and if this year the same happens to our orchards, we will collapse economically, ” he said.
Another fruit grower from Anantnag said that pruning of trees is normally carried out by November-end. But apprehensive about damages, he said he has started it as well.
Growers said even though their orchards suffered huge losses last year, the government provided them a relief of just two-four thousands so they don’t want to take any risk.
Meanwhile experts said that pruning at this stage is wrong as it takes nutrients away from trees.
A pathologist at SKUAST Kashmir Dr Tariq Rasool said that pruning at this stage will affect the health of trees as cutting green leaves containing photosynthesis means cutting food supply to the trees and wasting all energy.
He said that the best time for pruning is when leaves shed green colour and turn yellow.
