Bhadarwah, along with Kellar, Bhallesa, Dessa, Chatroo and Marmat, experienced heavy snowfall between Wednesday and Friday. About 50 percent fruit orchards were damaged due to recent snowfall in this picturesque valley and adjoining areas in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Nearly 50 percent of the fruit trees have suffered irreparable losses in the latest snowfall,” Bhadarwah horticulture development officer Rohan Kumar said, quoting preliminary information received from the field staff. Putting the loss suffered by the orchards in the snow-bound areas to about 100 crore, Kumar asked the farmers not to let snow accumulate on trees.
“We appeal to the farmers not to let snow accumulate on trees and remove it as early as possible,” he said. The meteorological department has predicted another spell of snowfall from February 12. After Kashmir, Chenab valley comprising Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban is the leading fruit producer in the state with Bhadarwah contributing 65 percent of the yield, including apple, pears, walnut and persimmon.
