With the condition of favorable weather, farmers in Srinagar are looking at the season of a fruitful apricot crop with a promising yield of prized fruit.
The introduction of new varieties including Iranian, Afghani and Harkot apricots has promoted demand and increased the number of consumers, giving farmers high expectations for strong returns this season.
In addition to apricots, farmers expect a good crop of many other fruits in the Zakura Valley of Srinagar, such as cherry, strawberry, debris, plum, apple and pear.
Talking to ANI, a local farmer, Mohammad Altaf said, “Weather plays a very important role in harvesting, and this year we have been very lucky. This fruit has many varieties, and along with it, the number of consumers has also increased.”
Another farmer said, “We are experiencing a very good yield this year … Apart from apricots, we also have a big crop of strawberries. These fruits are now being consumed all over India.”
Earlier, on 23 June, it was expected afresh to grow rain paddy crops in Chanthal village in Jammu and Kashmir.
Local farmer Ganesh Sharma expressed his happiness and said that the rain will benefit him. “Rain is fine, and now we are planting paddy. We grow a lot of paddy and vegetables, and the rain we have received has also benefited … We have used rain water along with canal water.”
Meanwhile, the locals of Sangyal village in Udampur district are using horses to bring water from far places due to lack of water in the village. Officials said that due to lack of funds and local disputes, work is being delayed on water supply scheme; However, efforts are being made to resolve issues and complete the project.
Speaking to ANI, the Executive Engineer of Udhampur Division said, “We had a plan, Darso Gudi Water Supply Scheme, which was incomplete. Work is going on, but some contractors have stopped working due to lack of funds. There are two sources of water in the respective fields. We will complete the work…” (ANI)