Apple failure

APPLE crop in Kashmir was extensively damaged by massive windstorms. Apple
is the primary fruit of Kashmir. Earlier, the state suffered from a prolonged dry spell, which also affected the production adversely. The Kerwas (highlands)
where 30 per cent of the crop grows, were the worst-hit region.

Fruit growers of Bandipore, Baramulla, Mirgund and Sopore areas
known for their rich apple crops are the worst affected. "The production has
been less than half of the normal year,"
said Sonaullah Magray of Sopore. The
total loss estimated because of the failure is said to be over Rs 150 crore.
However, the director horticulture says
that this is an overestimation.