Ganderbal, June 07: Like in other parts of the valley, the cherry crops suffered severe damage in this central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district due to inclement weather. The cherry season began in the first week of May and lasts in the last week of June.
Farmers and garden owners associated with this crop are worried due to fluctuating weather and continuous rains, saying they were expecting a good crop season this year, but the torrential rains and hailstorms have caused significant damage to cherry trees.
The farmers from Ganderbal Gutligabh – the village that produces more cherry as compared to other districts – told Rising Kashmir, “From spraying of standard pesticides to the timely use of fertilizers, they took every step to ensure good and quality produce this year, but due to the poor weather, everything was turned upside down.”
They said Shopian, Ganderbal, Kulgam Tangmarg and Rafiabad and Wagora were most affected by hailstorms. Only a limited amount of cherries were reaching the valley markets after the massive loss of the crop.
“Due to heavy packaging and shipping costs, farmers do not take the risk of sending cherries. We think that this year very small quantities can also go out of Kashmir markets,” they said.
The garden owners said a team of horticultural officers visited here to review the loss, it is yet to be seen whether they will receive any kind of help/compensation from the government or the inspection may prove to be mere a formality.
“Eight types of cherries are grown in Kashmir: Velvet, Sia, Mishri, Jadi, Italy, Double Glass, Vishkan and Stella. Four out of these – Mishri, Jadi, Velvet and Double Glass markets have good demand. Mishri is considered sweet compared to other types. The type of Mishri, known for its health benefits, was exported to Dubai last year,” the farmers said.
