SRINAGAR: Following the discovery and spread of the Apple Leaf Blotch Miner pest in Kashmir, the Department of Horticulture in this region has decided to enhance the monitoring of planting material arriving from Kashmir. Apple growers have expressed approval for this initiative.
Harish Chauhan, Convener of Sanyukt Kisan Manch, while speaking to The Tribune emphasised the importance of obtaining pest and disease-free planting material. He highlighted the potential threat of new diseases infiltrating orchards if planting material is not thoroughly examined for pests, fungal, and viral diseases prior to planting.
“The employee of the Horticulture Department will be present at entry points to the state to inspect the planting material coming from Kashmir and Uttarakhand. No planting material will be permitted into the state without proper documentation and certification,” Chauhan said.
Senior Plant Protection Officer Kirti Sinha, as per The Tribune report, explained, “Even if someone manages to introduce planting material illegally, it will be promptly destroyed by the department. We have established flying squads in each district for this purpose.”
Sinha noted the significant volume of planting material arriving from Kashmir and highlighted the potential risk of the Apple Leaf Blotch Miner pest accompanying ‘illegal planting material’. “The pest has caused substantial damage in certain parts of Kashmir. We will ensure that no planting material from the affected areas, without the required documentation and certification, is brought into the state.”
Concerned about the escalating number of diseases in recent years, apple growers have welcomed the proactive measure. Chauhan reiterated the necessity of securing pest and disease-free planting material and urged both the government and the horticulture department to be equally stringent regarding planting material from unregistered nurseries. Meanwhile, the department has also urged growers to refrain from purchasing planting material from nurseries not registered with the department.
