Published: Jun 25, 2026, 20:12 IST | Updated: Jun 25, 2026, 20:12 IST
Concern is growing across South Kashmir's apple belt as farmers report unusual premature fruit drop in orchards, raising fears of significant crop losses. The Jammu & Kashmir government has stepped in, ordering a detailed investigation into the phenomenon. The Horticulture Department has directed ground-level surveys to identify the cause and assess the extent of the damage. With apple cultivation forming the backbone of Kashmir's horticulture economy, farmers are anxiously awaiting answers as the harvest season approaches.