Horticulture department has brought 6230 hectares of land under orchards in Bandipora district of north Kashmir. An official spokesman said because of the concrete efforts of Horticulture department in Bandipora district, the fruit production has touched the figure of 53,277 metric tones which include 50,867 metric tons fresh and 2,410 metric tones dry fruits. He said land brought under orchards in the district so far has reached to 6,230 hectares.

Giving details of various programmes, aimed at development of horticulture sector in the district, he said under Technology Mission 250 hectares of additional land have been brought under orchardists in Gurez, Bandipora, Aloosa, Hajin and Sumbal blocks of the district. Likewise, 200 hectares of old orchards have been brought under newly introduction scheme Rejuvenation of small and old orchards for gap filling for which orchardists have been provided with pesticides, fungicides and plant material. Besides, he said, this 100 packing sheds and 75 tube wells have been constructed in the district for which, Rs 50,000 per shed and Rs 12500 per well have been provided as subsidy.