Concern- Vegetable production takes hit due to erratic weather, diseases
Around 50 percent crop damaged, say farmers
Srinagar: Erratic weather conditions and outbreak of several plant diseases this year are taking a toll on vegetable produce across Kashmir, farmers have alleged.
Farmers across several districts said that the hot and humid climate followed by rains has led to spread of diseases in several vegetables this year due to which the produce is getting damaged.
They said that due to erratic weather conditions, diseases have sprouted in tomatoes, collards, chillies, beans and other vegetables thereby affecting the quality and quantity as well.
“Due to erratic weather, these crops are developing black spots and vegetables are turning yellow and in some cases plants are also drying up,” said Javaid Ahmad, a farmer from Pulwama.
He said that this year it rains almost every day, however, temperature remains high as well which leads to eruption of diseases in crops.
Farmers said that the weather has also affected sun drying of vegetables.
They said that vegetables get damaged due to rains whenever they peel them and leave for sun drying.
Officials said that diseases are developing because of climate change as air remains moisture laden and the humidity also is high.
They said that farmers must adopt some control measures besides that they must take care of drainage, crop density and space between plants as well. (KNO)
