2 days ago
4
ARTICLE AD BOX
The Parashar Rishi Temple and lake are covered in snow amid snowfall, in Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh, Friday (PTI)
After a heavy spell of snowfall in Shimla and high hilly areas, the Department of Horticulture issued an advisory for the apple orchardists to follow scientific management of their orchards on Saturday. The advisory stressed the scientific management at this stage will improve the root health and strengthen the upcoming crops. The advisory advised the orchardists to prepare a basin (tauliya) around the tree trunk, ensuring that no digging is done within at least one foot of the trunk to prevent water seepage or wounds that could damage the main roots.
Vinay Singh, director, Department of Horticulture, Himachal Pradesh, said that following the recent rainfall and snowfall, soil moisture conditions in orchards have become favourable. “Approximately 100 kg of well-decomposed farmyard manure per plant (or the quantity available with the grower) or 5 kg of vermicompost should be uniformly spread away from the trunk and incorporated into the soil. If the soil test report recommends Single Super Phosphate (SSP), it should be applied by making a circular trench about 1.5 feet away from the trunk and then covered with soil. Similarly, if potash is recommended in the soil test, it should be applied at 1.5 feet from the trunk and mixed into the soil in areas located between 5,000 and 7,000 feet above the mean sea level,” the director said.
He emphasised that all fertilisers must be applied strictly as per soil test recommendations to avoid unnecessary expenditure and to ensure balanced nutrition for plants.
Meanwhile, orchardist and horticulture expert Kushal Mehta says, “After rainfall and snowfall, proper field layout is essential before establishing a new orchard. As per rootstock recommendations, for MM111, M7, and MM106, the spacing should be 2 metres between plants and 3 metres between rows, while for M9 rootstock, 1 metre between plants and 3 metres between rows is appropriate.”
“After layout, pit or trench digging should be undertaken. Where soil conditions are good and free from stones, pits or trenches of 3 feet depth and 3 feet width should be prepared, keeping topsoil and subsoil separate to ensure correct refilling order. In stony areas, digging should continue until stones are removed or to a minimum depth of 4 feet,” he added.
The orchardists were urged to procure high-quality, low-chilling varieties suitable for changing climatic conditions from the nearest progency-cum-demonstration orchards (PCDOs) which are the departmental nurseries or by contacting the nearest Horticulture Extension Officer, Horticulture Development Officer, Subject Matter Specialist (Horticulture), or Deputy Director of Horticulture.
The officials maintained that the growers are advised to obtain a purchase bill while buying planting material to avail benefits under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), under which a subsidy of up to Rs 3,75,000 per hectare is available for establishing orchards under high-density planting systems.
Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More
Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
English (US) ·