Srinagar, Apr 25: The Directorate of Horticulture Kashmir has started an online survey regarding the early emergence of pest infestations as reported from various apple orchards of Kashmir Valley.
Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Agriculture Production Department, Atal Dulloo said the online survey form has been designed to collect data regarding the infestation of pests in different villages and the Department of Horticulture has been directed to assist farmers to fill these forms.
So far, the samples of some 1,500 farmers have been collected and the sampling is continuing, he said, adding, “In order to study the nature of pest infestation, we need to have a sample size. The survey is in progress. We are collecting the data of farmers.”
Dulloo said after conducting the study the department would have a sufficient number of samples and responses and then only they will chalk out the plan accordingly. “We will come to know what pesticides are needed and how to tackle the pest and where to tackle it and avoid unnecessary use of pesticides,” he said.
Earlier, the officers and experts were directed to visit affected areas at regular intervals to report if the control measures taken are working and if the pest is under control. “Data compilation regarding pest infestation and its spread will assist in working out more appropriate control measures that shall be accordingly issued as fresh advisory,” he said.
The ACS has already directed the scientists from SKUAST and experts from Horticulture Department to be proactive and identify the hot spot areas of infestation and classify the locations into RED, YELLOW and GREEN zones based on the percentage/severity of infestation.
He said pest/disease infestation is a dynamic process, and the need is to catch hold of its spread before any alarming situation evolves to the disadvantage of the Horticulture industry.
