Pulwama, Mar 11: Director Horticulture Kashmir, Aijaz Ahmad Bhat on Thursday visited south Kashmir’s Pulwama district to access the damage caused to orchards by porcupines and other wild animals. He took a tour of the orchards and assured the affected farmers of all possible assistance by his department. The pests have damaged vegetables as well as orchards in large numbers by eating away the barks of apple and almond trees in the area.

Talking to Rising Kashmir, Bhat said that he had received several complaints about pest infestation in the area and his department had issued an advisory to farmers to prevent such attacks earlier as well. “I have still assured the orchardists of all possible assistance,” he said.

He also appealed to the orchardists to approach the CHO Pulwama for any help and guidance. He also urged the farmers and fruit growers to cover the trunks of apple and almond trees with jute bags, HDPE bags, and wire mesh to keep the porcupines and other pests away.