In the wake of recent hailstorms that have caused widespread concern across Kashmir Valley, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has issued a comprehensive advisory urging farmers to take immediate remedial measures to minimise crop losses and prevent long-term damage to orchards and field crops.
As per the advisory issued by the Directorate of Extension, SKUAST-Kashmir, the recent hailstorm incidents have heightened the risk of crop injury, waterlogging, and outbreak of fungal and bacterial diseases, necessitating urgent intervention at the field level.
The advisory places primary emphasis on ensuring proper drainage of excess water, warning that water stagnation can lead to root suffocation and create favourable conditions for disease development. Farmers have been advised to create effective drainage channels to quickly remove standing water from orchards and agricultural fields.
To prevent further damage, growers have been instructed to gently remove hail deposits and debris from trees, which otherwise can cause bark injuries and increase the chances of branch breakage due to excess load. Immediate pruning of damaged branches has also been recommended, with clean cuts to be made 2–3 inches below the affected area. The advisory stresses the application of protective pastes such as Bordeaux paste or Chaubatia paste on cut surfaces to prevent pathogen entry.
Highlighting the heightened vulnerability of crops to infections post-hailstorm, SKUAST-K has recommended the timely application of protective fungicide sprays after weather conditions stabilise. Specific formulations have been suggested for apple at the fruitlet stage, as well as for other fruit crops, including cherry, peach, plum, apricot, grapes, and pear. Vegetable growers have also been advised to undertake similar protective measures in nurseries and main fields.
The advisory further recommends a follow-up nutritional spray, particularly a 0.2 per cent urea solution to be applied three days after fungicide treatment, to aid recovery and stimulate new growth in apple trees. Additional micronutrient sprays may be required after 10 to 15 days to support tissue repair.
Farmers have been cautioned to carry out spraying during cool and dry periods, preferably in the early morning or evening hours, using fine mist sprayers for uniform coverage. In cases where systemic fungicides were applied shortly before the hailstorm, a gap of four to five days before reapplication has been advised.
Emphasis has also been laid on maintaining orchard sanitation. Farmers have been directed to collect and safely dispose of fallen leaves, fruits, blossoms, and twigs through burial or composting to minimise disease spread. Proper ventilation and soil aeration have been identified as key factors in accelerating orchard recovery.
The university has reiterated that timely adoption of these measures can significantly reduce losses and help restore crop health, urging farmers across the Valley to act promptly in accordance with the advisory.
