TOP STORIES 'Govt, SKUAST race to contain new pest in Kashmir orchards' | KNO Published 2 hours ago on September 19, 2026 By Waris Fayaz Handwara (Kupwara), Sep 19 (KNO): Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmad Dar on Saturday said Horticulture Department and SKUAST have begun working on measures to control the pest to address the concerns of orchardists. Talking to reporters here in North Kashmir Minister Dar, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said the pest is a new type of insect for the region and was not native to Kashmir. “This is a new type of insecticide which is not native, and we are on it. We are trying to control it as soon as possible,” he said. The Minister said the department had taken note of the issue around two months ago and SKUAST scientists were working to formulate measures to control it. He said the pest could not be eradicated immediately but its spread and impact could be controlled through sustained efforts. Farmers have been seeking timely scientific intervention and effective control measures as the pest affects leaves of fruit trees. The issue has emerged as a fresh challenge for Kashmir’s horticulture sector, which remains heavily dependent on apple and other fruit crops—(KNO) Up Next No permission sought or issued for proposed Gurez event: AD tourism Gulmarg | KNO Don't Miss MeT predicts dry weather in J&K till Sept-end, isolated rain on Sept 24, 27 | KNO