Srinagar, Dec 26: Department of Horticulture has issued a detailed advisory for fruit growers in view of weather forecast by Meteorological Department with possibility of snowfall in Kashmir Division on December 27.

According to the advisory, orchardists need to clear water channels and drains to ensure complete drainage from the orchards/nurseries.

“Shake trees gently to remove snow immediately from their branches and crotches. Shake newly planted trees to prevent damage to new roots as they take a couple of years to anchor firmly in the soil. If the fruit trees tilt, reduce the canopy load by pruning, and provide proper support. If the trees get partially uprooted, slowly pull back the trees to the original position after heavy pruning and provide proper support staking to the main trunk,” reads the advisory.

Most importantly, fruit growers need to maintain orchard sanitation by meticulously cleaning up all fallen fruit, leaves and twigs from around the orchards and disposing them off by burying/composting.