Srinagar, Apr 16 (KNO): High-density plantation holds the promise of early yields and superior quality compared to traditional methods, VC SKAUST said on Tuesday. He urged farmers to adopt modern technologies to boost fruit cultivation productivity.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), during the Apple Blossom Festival at SKAUST Shalimar, VC SKAUST Dr Nazir Ahmad Ganaie encouraged farmers to consider high-density orcharding as a viable alternative to pursuing scarce government employment opportunities.
Notably, the Division of Fruit Science at SKUAST-Kashmir inaugurated the highly anticipated Apple Blossom Festival, marking a celebration of innovation and growth in fruit cultivation.
The seven-day festival was ceremoniously opened by the esteemed Vice Chancellor, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganaie, alongside notable figures including Prof Dil Mohd. Makhdoomi, Director Extension SKUAST-Kashmir, Prof M. K. Verma, Director CITH, Prof Shabir Hussain, Dean Faculty of Horticulture, Heads of various divisions, faculty members, students, and local farmers from districts Srinagar and Ganderbal.
In his opening address, Vice Chancellor Prof Ganaie underscored the significance of initiatives like this in enlightening orchardists about the benefits of high-density plantations. He encouraged farmers to embrace modern technologies for enhanced fruit cultivation productivity, emphasising the early yields and superior quality promised by high-density orcharding compared to traditional methods.
Addressing undergraduate and postgraduate students of the Division of Fruit Science, Prof Ganaie highlighted the privilege of studying in such a prestigious institute nestled in the lap of nature. He emphasised the importance of data collection from fruit blocks to identify critical factors influencing fruit growth, urging students to actively participate by adopting and maintaining observational records.
Concluding the inaugural session, the Head of the Division of Fruit Science extended gratitude to VC Prof Ganaie, affirming the division's commitment to realizing his vision of positioning the farm university as a national leader. After the ceremony, scientists from the Division of Fruit Science provided invaluable insights to farmers on early, mid-season, and late-season apple varieties, as well as best practices for high-density cultivation.
Officials said the festival promises a week-long immersive experience, inviting all orchardists to SKUAST-Kashmir to gain valuable knowledge on temperate fruit cultivation.
It is noteworthy that an increasing number of farmers are transitioning to high-density apple farming due to its low input and labour costs, coupled with the superior quality of the apples, which exhibit uniformity in colour and size.
Growers reported that high-density apples are fetching significantly higher prices compared to traditional varieties, with rates almost doubling.
"You don't need to wait for decades to see fruit-bearing; high-density plants start yielding fruits in the very first year, with a bumper crop every year. They also require fewer fertilizers and pesticides," they said.
Varieties such as Jeromine, King Roat, Gala Scarlet, Red Velox, Scarlet Spur-II, Super Chief, Redlum Gala, and Auvi Fuji are currently cultivated in J&K—(KNO)