Kulgam, May 08:  The department of horticulture issued an advisory for farmers whose orchards were damaged in hailstorm which wreaked havoc in many parts of north and south Kashmir.

 According to the advisory, the orchardists should make spray of fungicides (per 100 litres of water).

In this connection, Zineb 68%+Hexaconazole 4% WP (100g) or Metiram 55% +Pyraclostrobin 5`WG or Mancozeb 75WP (300g) or Zineb 7WP (300g) can be used.

In addition to the above, the orchards may be sprayed with urea at 2% (200g per 100 litres of water) 3 days after the above spray.

The advisory called for maintaining proper orchard sanitation and removal of fallen leaves from the orchard.

“Ensure drainage of excess water and staking of heavy fruit branches to avert uprooting of trees due to excess soil moisture,” the advisory said.

Meanwhile, Director Horticulture Kashmir, Aijaz Ahmad Bhat today visited hailstorm affected areas of Kulgam district to assess the losses suffered by the farmers.

The Director was also accompanied by Chief Horticulture Officer Kulgam Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Baba, Dr. Pervaiz Ahmad Sheikh, Scientist KVK Pombay. 

The CHO said that the hailstorm hit many areas of district Kulgam including Nanibugh, Sopur, Pniwah, Kanipora, Zazripora, Bugam, Ganosargam and Awgam.

Other areas where moderate hailstorm has been reported were Nowpora, Daderkoot, Checki Hanjan, Hanjan, Sheganpora, Sofipora, Akipora, Behibagh, Srandoo, Arreh, Mohammadpora, Tazipora, Khandypora, Batapora, Jadipora Dedipora, Shurath, Laroo, Kharvot, Sangus, Akipora and Awhatoo.

The worst-hit villages were Awgam and Zazripora where damage to orchards has been the maximum.  

He added that for queries farmers can visit nearest horticulture office or contact following officers on their mobile numbers: Dr. M. Iqbal Baba (7006190040), Ishfaq Ahmad Want (7006769239), Arshad Jamil (7889442818), Showkat Hameed (8899694030), and Showkat Ahmad Khan (6005325630).