Srinagar, Feb 19 (KNO): The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has informed the House that although Gurez region possesses significant agro-climatic potential for cultivation of Ladakhi apricot varieties, restrictions are currently in place on the transport and movement of planting material due to phytosanitary concerns.
Replying to an unstarred question (AQ No. 783) tabled by MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan (Gurezi), the Minister-in-Charge, Agriculture Production Department, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that the presence of the codling moth has led to restrictions on the movement of Ladakhi apricot planting material to prevent the spread of pests to other fruit-growing belts.
The government, however, said that the department is actively strengthening apricot cultivation of suitable varieties such as Halman, Harkot, Charmagz, New Castle and Erani in Gurez under the Capex scheme—Medium Density and CSS-Tree Borne Oil (TBO) programme.
It was further informed that detailed research and development is required to assess the suitability of Ladakhi apricot varieties for propagation in the Gurez area.
The Minister said that necessary steps are being taken in this regard to promote sustainable horticulture development in the region—(KNO)