12/09/2026
*Leaf Miner Disease Threatens Kashmir Orchards, Showkat Hassan Pandith Seeks Urgent Government Action*
Srinagar, Sept 12: AIP senior leader and former Block Development Council (BDC) Chairman of Langate, Showkat Hassan Pandith, has expressed grave concern over the widespread damage caused by leaf miner disease in apple orchards across the Kashmir Valley.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Pandith urged the Department of Horticulture and other concerned agencies to launch an immediate and comprehensive campaign to protect orchards from further damage.
He said the disease has affected a large number of orchards, creating serious concerns among fruit growers. He stressed that horticulture remains a major source of livelihood for thousands of families across Kashmir and any damage to the sector can have a direct impact on the local economy.
Pandith called for a door-to-door awareness campaign in villages and orchard areas to educate growers about the disease, preventive measures and proper orchard management. He said farmers require timely technical guidance from the concerned departments to protect their trees and minimise further losses.
He also raised concern over damage to apple crops due to sunburn. He said the leaf miner disease has damaged leaves, leaving apples more exposed to direct sunlight and increasing the risk of sunburn. This, he said, can affect the quality and market value of the fruit.
Pandith urged the government to conduct field-level assessments of affected orchards and provide farmers with practical and timely assistance.
He appealed to the concerned departments to act without delay and adopt a coordinated approach to contain the disease and protect Kashmir's horticulture sector from further losses.
