Shopian, Aug 7: Conservation of Kashmir’s iconic Ambri apple, scientific orchard management and mechanisation took centre stage at a Field Day-cum-Fruit Show organised by Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) under HADP-18 at the Ambri Apple Research Centre (AARC), Pahnoo, Shopian, today.
The programme was inaugurated by Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie, in the presence of scientists, extension experts, progressive orchardists and other stakeholders.
Welcoming the participants, Dr. Hamidullah, Senior Scientist, AARC, highlighted the Centre’s research and extension activities and took the participants through the research orchard and fruit exhibition.
Director Extension, SKUAST-K, Dr. Raihana Habib Kanth, stressed the adoption of modern technologies, scientific canopy management, balanced nutrition and precision orchard practices to enhance productivity in both traditional and high-density apple orchards. Dr. Ashiq Hussain Pandith, Professor & Head, Division of Fruit Science, highlighted the advantages of High-Density Plantation (HDP) systems and outlined the University’s strategy for promoting their wider adoption among growers.
A key attraction of the programme was a live demonstration on orchard mechanisation by Dr. Tariq Rasool, Professor and Principal Investigator, HADP-18, who demonstrated different types of automated mist sprayers. He explained their potential to improve spray efficiency and canopy coverage while reducing pesticide use and labour costs in traditional as well as high-density orchards.
Calling for greater efforts to preserve Kashmir’s horticultural heritage, Mr. Arjimand Hussain Talib, noted agricultural writer and Founder of Ziraat Times, emphasised the importance of conserving indigenous apple cultivars, particularly the iconic Ambri apple. He also proposed a “Virasat Revival” programme for preservation of the region’s traditional horticultural wealth.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie highlighted the unique quality and legacy of the Ambri apple and called for scientific orchard management, efficient pollination and judicious pesticide use to produce high-quality, export-oriented apples. He also inaugurated the Fruit Show, featuring elite apple cultivars, promising selections and technical literature developed by SKUAST-K.
The interactive session provided farmers an opportunity to seek expert advice on disease management, orchard mechanisation, production technologies and marketing, strengthening the linkage between research and field-level horticultural practices.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh, Scientist, AARC Pahnoo, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, scientists, participating farmers and all stakeholders for their contribution to the successful conduct of the event.
