JAMMU: To tap high potential of walnut production in Kishtwar district by scientifically managing walnut weevil, Minister for Horticulture, Syed Basharat Ahmed Bukhari today ordered constitution of an Expert Committee for conducting survey of Chatroo village.
“The exercise is aimed at checking fall in production from Kishtwar district due to crop damage from walnut weevil, a menace that poses threat of huge damage and loss to crop yield and farmer’s livelihood”, Bukhari said.
The four member committee will comprise of Programme Coordinator from Krishi Vigyan Kendra Bhaderwah, Chief Horticulture Officer Kishtwar, R C Puttoo, DLSMS (PP) Kishtwar, Mushtaq Ahmed Wani and Horticulture Development Officer, Chatroo, Abid Hussain.
The expert committee is mandated to undertake survey and suggest management of walnut weevil in Chatroo village and its adjoining areas in Kishtwar district. It will submit a detailed report in this behalf within one week.
Highlighting the importance of increasing yield of walnuts in the state the Minister said that it is essential to adopt end-to-end approach involving production, protection, post-harvest management, processing and marketing, besides bringing more area under walnut cultivation.
In the past, deputations on various occasions had apprised the Minister on worrisome impacts of altering weather conditions and weevil infestations on crop yield that has over the year, receded the profitability of walnut cultivation.
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