The prolonged cold weather and rains have devastated the cherry crop in the Kashmir Valley.
About Cherry Farming:
Cherries are delicious and nutritious fruits that belong to the genus Prunus.
It is a delicate crop and extremely sensitive to extreme weather conditions.
Having a very low shelf life, cherries cannot sustain heavy rains or high temperatures.
The Kashmir Valley contributes to 95 per cent of the total cherry production in India.
Eight cherry varieties grown in Kashmir include makhmali, siya, mishri, jaddi, Italy, dabal, vishkan and stela.
Climate:
It requires cool weather conditions with temperatures ranging between 15°C to 25°C during the growing season.
They also require a period of winter dormancy with temperatures below 7°C to induce flowering.
Soil: The soil should be well-draining, rich in organic matter, and have a pH between 6.0 to 7.5.
Planting: Cherry trees can be propagated by grafting onto rootstocks. The ideal time for planting is during the winter months from December to February.
Intercropping: Some suitable intercropping crops for cherry cultivation in India include legumes, such as peas and beans, and leafy vegetables, such as spinach and lettuce.
Fertilization: Fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied in adequate amounts to promote healthy growth and fruit development.
Harvesting: Cherries can be harvested when they reach maturity, usually in late May to early June.
Area of Cultivation: They are primarily grown in the northern regions of India, particularly in the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
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