Sunday, April 5, 2026
Home Blog Page 101

High-density apple farming brings rich dividends to growers in Kashmir

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: The apple industry in Jammu and Kashmir is undergoing a quiet revolution with high-density apple farming emerging as a game changer. Growers who have adopted this modern technique are now reaping significant financial benefits, prompting wider interest and investment in the sector.

Farmers from various districts of the Kashmir Valley told KNO that high-density apple cultivation has dramatically improved their yields and income, transforming livelihoods in many areas.

Introduced after 2015, these new apple varieties begin bearing fruit just one year after plantation and reach full production within four to five years—far quicker than the traditional varieties that take nearly a decade to mature.

Moreover, while conventional apple harvesting often takes place in November—making it vulnerable to early snowfall and frost—high-density apples are typically harvested in July and August, avoiding much of the seasonal risk.

“We have seen the benefits firsthand,” said Javid Ahmad, an orchardist from Pulwama who has cultivated high-density apples on eight kanals of land. “People have started replacing old trees with these new varieties. Not only do they require less labour and lower input costs, but the apples are also more uniform in size and colour, with superior quality.”

Among the popular high-density varieties now cultivated in the region are Jeromine, King Roat, Gala Scarlet, Red Velox, Scarlet Spur-II, Super Chief, Redlum Gala, and Auvi Fuji.

According to growers, these apples fetch nearly double the market price of traditional varieties. High-density apples are currently selling at Rs 100–140 per kilogram, compared to Rs 50 for conventional types. The plants also require fewer fertilisers and pesticides, making the method more sustainable.

The season has begun, and currently, there is good demand for high-density apples, and farmers are hopeful that demand will go up further in the coming days.

“You don’t have to wait for decades to see returns,” said Fayaz Ahmad, another grower. “The plants bear fruit from the very first year, and yields are consistently good.”

Seeing the positive outcomes, the Department of Horticulture is pushing for expansion.

Officials told KNO that approximately 1000 hectares have already been brought under high-density apple cultivation. Plans are in place to expand this to 5,500 hectares in the coming years.

To incentivise adoption, the government is offering a 50 per cent subsidy to orchardists who either switch to or begin high-density farming.

The transformation began in September 2015 when the then Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed inaugurated Jammu and Kashmir’s first high-density apple orchard at Bamdoora in Anantnag district.

Kashmir produces over 20 lakh metric tonnes of apples annually, with the figure crossing 25 lakh metric tonnes in peak years. The apple industry forms a vital part of the region’s economy.

According to the 2017 Economic Survey of J&K, nearly 50 per cent of the Valley’s population is directly or indirectly linked to the apple trade. Over 3.5 lakh hectares are currently under apple cultivation in the Union Territory.

The horticulture sector contributes around 9.5 per cent to the State Gross Domestic Product (SGDP) and generates over 8.5 crore man-days annually, underlining its critical role in the region’s socio-economic fabric. (KNO)

Lt Colonel among 2 soldiers dead, 3 officers injured in Ladakh accident

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: Two army soldiers, including a Lieutenant Colonel, died and three officers were injured when a boulder fell on an army vehicle in Ladakh on Wednesday morning, officials told KNO.

They said, “An Army vehicle was hit by the boulder when a convoy was moving from Durbuk to Chongtash at around 11:30 am. Five soldiers sustained critical injuries in the accident.”

The convoy, as per officials, was on a training move from Durbuk to Chongtash. “The vehicle hit by a boulder suffered extensive damage,” they said, adding, “Two soldiers succumbed to injuries and the three injured were shifted to an Army hospital in Leh for treatment.”

In a statement posted on X, the Fire and Fury Corps, according to KNO, said, “GOC, Fire and Fury Corps and All Ranks salute Lieutenant Colonel Bhanu Pratap Singh Mankotia and Lance Dafadar Daljit Singh… and offer deep condolences to the bereaved families in this hour of grief,”

In an earlier post, it said, “A boulder from a cliff fell on one of the vehicles of a military convoy in Ladakh, around 1130h on 30 Jul 2025. Recovery action is in progress”

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and all ranks of Indian Army expressed grief on the loss of two soldiers in a tragic road accident.

“#GeneralUpendraDwivedi, #COAS and All Ranks of #IndianArmy salute Lieutenant Colonel Bhanu Pratap Singh Mankotia and Lance Dafadar Daljeet Singh, who made supreme sacrifice in the line of duty in #Ladakh today,” ADG-PI-Indian Army posted on ‘X’.

“Indian Army extends its deepest condolences and stands firm with the bereaved families in this hour of grief,” it added. (KNO)

LoP Sharma slams NC-PDP as ‘unknown beyond Lakhanpur’

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, on Wednesday asserted the growing presence of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kashmir, saying it is the result of years of sacrifice by its workers, “unlike” the National Conference (NC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which have “failed” to grow beyond the valley.

Addressing the workers in Baramulla, LoP Sharma, as per KNO, acknowledged the unwavering commitment and courage of BJP workers in the Kashmir Valley, calling them the true torchbearers of the party’s mission in one of the most challenging political environments in the country.

“Being a BJP worker in the valley is itself a challenge. While party programmes can be organised with ease in places like Jammu, Reasi or Udhampur, doing the same in Baramulla, Shopian, Pulwama or Kupwara requires unmatched resolve. Workers here step out of their homes with their ‘sar par kafan’ (shroud on their head), ready to face any situation”, he said.

Sharma hailed the grassroots strength of the party in Kashmir, saying that the BJP’s presence in the region is recognised across the country, even at the topmost levels of leadership. “Whether it’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah or BJP President JP Nadda, all of them know the ground realities our workers face in Kashmir. It is not easy to represent BJP here, and yet our cadre continues to stand firm,” he said.

Reflecting on the past, he recalled the days when BJP workers in the valley faced deep social isolation and threats. “There was a time when party supporters here were boycotted by their own families. Despite that, they continued to serve. Today we see people attending BJP events, a sign of growing acceptance, but we must never forget the struggles behind it,” he said.

LoP Sharma reassured workers that their sacrifices will not go in vain. “You’ve suffered, you’ve stood firm, and the time will come when your commitment will bear fruit,” he said.

Taking a swipe at regional parties like the National Conference (NC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the BJP leader said these parties are confined in reach and recognition. “There is no comparison. Beyond Lakhanpur, nobody even recognises these parties. But the BJP is known and respected across the length and breadth of the country,” he asserted.

He urged the cadre not to lose morale, pointing to the recent appointment of senior BJP leader Kavinder Gupta as the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh. “We must be proud of being part of a party that gives space and recognition to its grassroots leaders. Let’s keep working with hope and strength,” he told party workers. (KNO)

Operation Shivshakti: Army, J&K Police kill 2 terrorists in Poonch, foil infiltration bid

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: Army in close coordination with Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday foiled an infiltration bid in Poonch sector by killing two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists near the Line of Control.

Officials told KNO that operation codenamed ‘Operation Shivshakti’ was carried out with precision by the alert soldiers of White Knight Corps, in close coordination with the J&K Police

Jammu based defence spokesperson, Lt Col Suneel Bartwal in a statement said, “In a coordinated counter-terrorism operation, troops of Indian Army launched ‘Operation ShivShakti’ in the Poonch Sector, J&K, during early hours of 30 July 25.”

“The operation was based on credible intelligence inputs acquired by synergistic and synchronised intelligence coordination by military and civil intelligence units in concert with J&K Police regarding the presence of terrorists in the area. Acting swiftly on the inputs, the security forces laid coordinated ambushes on the appreciated infiltration routes. A fierce gunfight ensued between the security forces and terrorists along the Line of Control in the early morning hours of July 30, leading to the neutralisation of two terrorists and recovery of large quantity of war like stores,” he added.

Lt Colonel Bartwal said, “The swift, coordinated and decisive action by security forces prevented any collateral damage and ensured the safety of local population.”

The PRO said recovered war like stores include two assault rifles with ammunition, one pistol with ammunition, hand grenades, two Improvised explosive devices, medicines, communication device and other logistic stores. The huge recovery of war like & logistic stores indicate that the terrorists were well-prepared for prolonged engagement.

Search operation is in progress in the surrounding areas to rule out the presence of any more terrorists, he added.

The Indian Army’s White Knight Corps, in a post on X, reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the nation, stating, “Swift action and accurate firepower thwarted the nefarious designs of the infiltrators. Operation Shivshakti is a testament to our resolve to protect the region from terrorism.”

Pertinently, this operation came just days after security forces carried out ‘Operation Mahadev,’ on July 27. On a tip off security forces had launched massive searches in the steep and dense mountain ranges of Lidwas at Harwan in Srinagar outskirts following which contact was established with hiding Lashkar terrorists involved in the April 22 Pahalgam attack. They were neutralised. (KNO)

J&K amends prison manual to safeguards rights of disabled inmates

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: In a significant development, J&K’s Home Department has amended the Union Territory’s Prison Manual- 2022 to safeguard the rights of prisoners with disabilities.

In a notification, a copy of which is in possession of KNO, J&K administration has amended the Prison Manual to improve the treatment and care of prisoners with disabilities.

These amendments have been incorporated in the prison manual after J&K LG directed UT’s Home department to do so.

According to the notification, prisoners with disabilities should not be discriminated on the grounds of disability and are entitled to equality, dignity, and respect.

“No prisoner shall be discriminated on grounds of disability. All prisoners with disability shall be entitled to equality, dignity and respect for their integrity on an equal basis with others,” reads the notification.

The amendments provide that all prison infrastructure should be made accessible to prisoners with disabilities, in accordance with the Accessibility Standards and Guidelines notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

“Prisoners with disabilities should be provided with appropriate healthcare services, including psychiatric and psychological services, as well as access to rehabilitation programs and therapies,” it states.

As per the amendments, all incoming prisoners shall be screened for disabilities at the time of admission.

“Relevant prison records should reflect their specific needs to ensure suitable accommodations and assistance,” the notification adds.

It further states that prison staff should undergo regular training to sensitize them to the needs of prisoners with disabilities and to handle them appropriately. (KNO)

Over 13.6 million mobile numbers disconnected to curb telecom fraud: Union Minister Scindia informs Parliament

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

New Delhi: Union Minister of Communications, Jyotiraditya M Scindia on Wednesday said that the government has disconnected over 13.6 Million mobile numbers to curb the telecom fraud.

Scinidia while responding to the questions of the Members of Parliament, according to KNO, informed the Lok Sabha that the government has addressed key concerns related to telecom frauds.

Outlining the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance prevention of cyber frauds, the Union Minister informed the House in a major nationwide push to curb cyber fraud and protect citizens from digital threats, the Government of India has rolled out a series of decisive, tech-enabled measures under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), in close coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs. “As part of this initiative, a Digital Intelligence Platform has been developed, bringing together 620 institutions including 570 banks, 36 state police forces, investigative agencies, and telecom service providers, to jointly tackle fraud in real-time. The platform enables integrated action against scammers and cyber criminals who misuse telecom infrastructure to deceive citizens,” he said.

The Minister said that to further involve the public in this mission, the Government launched the Sanchar Saathi portal on May 16, 2023, which has since registered over 15.5 crore hits, indicating strong public awareness and participation. “Building on this success, the Sanchar Saathi mobile app was launched on January 17, 2025, for both Android and iOS, and has received over 44 lakh downloads,” he said, adding, “Through the combined inputs of these platforms, DoT has blocked 5.5 lakh handsets, and deactivated 20,000 bulk SMS senders. Nearly 24 lakh WhatsApp accounts involved in suspicious activities have also been disengaged.”

“A key feature introduced is the Know Your Mobile Connections service, which allows users to check all numbers issued under their name and report any unauthorized connections. This has resulted in the disconnection of 1.36 crore such numbers.

“The Government has also deployed artificial intelligence tools, notably the ASTR system, to automatically detect and eliminate fake mobile numbers—leading to the disconnection of an additional 82 lakh such connections addressing the serious issue of international spoof calls, where foreign numbers appear as Indian calls, the DoT introduced a centralized software solution under the International Incoming Spoof Calls Prevention. On the very first day, 1.35 crore such spoof calls were blocked, and ongoing efforts have brought down such incidents by 97 percent. Today, only about three lakh spoof calls are being detected daily, compared to the earlier massive volumes. Telecom operators have also been mandated to display “International Call” alerts on all such incoming numbers for greater user transparency,” he said.

The Minister said, “In a significant technological leap, the Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) system was introduced to assess user risk levels—Very High, High, or Medium—based on banking and transaction behaviour. This risk data is shared with banks in real time, helping them prevent suspicious transactions. Over 3.7 lakh individuals have been flagged under these categories, leading to the prevention of more than 3.04 lakh debit/credit instructions and the freezing of 1.55 lakh bank accounts. Recognizing the system’s effectiveness, the Reserve Bank of India has instructed all banks to integrate FRI into their internal systems.”

“Additionally, the DoT has taken firm steps against misuse of Indian SIMs operating from Southeast Asian countries. Over 26 lakh such roaming mobile connections have been disconnected, and around 1.3 lakh devices used in such scams have been blocked. These ongoing efforts signal the Government’s strong commitment to protecting citizens, securing telecom networks, and building a digitally secure India. Citizens are encouraged to remain vigilant and make full use of tools like the Sanchar Saathi portal and app to report suspicious activities, check their mobile connections, and help build a fraud-free digital ecosystem,” the Minister said.

BSNL SUBSCRIBER BASE HAS RISEN

Regarding the performance of public sector telecom undertakings, the Minister noted that BSNL has seen a rise in its subscriber base, increasing from 8.55 crore to 9.1 crore over the past fiscal year. This recovery is supported by a ₹3.22 lakh crore revival package sanctioned over the last three years. To ensure accountability and results, each of BSNL’s 32 telecom circles is now developing its own business plan under a decentralised strategy. The Ministry has also conducted a 12-hour Strategy and Business Development Session 2025-26 with all Chief General Managers, a first in the sector’s history.

The Union Minister also highlighted India’s successful development of an indigenous 4G technology stack. The core software for this system has been developed by C-DoT, a public sector organisation, while the radio access network hardware is being manufactured by Tejas Networks. System integration is being handled by TCS. Out of 95,000 towers sanctioned for rollout, 75,000 are already operational, with ₹20,000 crore in capital expenditure already invested. BSNL’s 4G services are now live and being optimized, with a transition to 5G planned in the coming phase. (KNO)

Over 1,400 URLs blocked during ‘Op Sindoor’: GoI

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

New Delhi: The central government blocked more than 1,400 online links during Operation Sindoor as part of its efforts to contain the spread of fake news and sensitive content in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

Responding to a query from MP Tejasvi Surya, Vaishnaw said the blocked content included a range of posts on websites and social media platforms that circulated misinformation and material deemed harmful to national interests.

“Many of these handles were operated from outside the country and were found actively involved in sharing false, anti-India narratives,” the Minister said in a written reply.

The government took action under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, which allows blocking of digital content in cases involving national security, public order, or the sovereignty of India.

According to the Minister, the URLs flagged during this period contained misleading content, provocative material targeting the armed forces and posts with communal overtones, largely traced to Pakistan-based accounts.

To monitor and respond in real time, the government established a centralised control unit, which remained operational round-the-clock. This unit, jointly managed by defence personnel, information agencies and the Press Information Bureau (PIB), functioned as a central command for identifying and countering online threats during the operation.

Vaishnaw noted that the PIB’s fact-checking team was actively involved in tracking false narratives and issuing timely clarifications. Verified information was shared with the public, and action was taken against posts found to be spreading disinformation.

He also informed the House that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued an advisory to media outlets on April 26. The advisory instructed news platforms to avoid live telecasts of defence activities or troop movements in order to protect operational details and public safety. (KNO)

Major reshuffle of doctors on cards in J&K hospitals: Sakina Itoo

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

Srinagar: Health Minister Sakina Itoo on Wednesday said that a major reshuffle of doctors is on cards in J&K to address long standing issues in the healthcare system.

Talking exclusively to KNO, Itoo expressed concern over the practice of doctors being posted at their preferred locations for decades, which she said hampers the system’s progress.

“We are now considering a major reshuffle. It is ironic that doctors have been sitting at the same place for ten years or more. People have told us that such practices—staying in one place for so long—do not help the system. If this continues, the system will not improve.” Itoo said.

She emphasized that the government’s focus is on ensuring proper patient care, with a commitment to providing good treatment to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “We have also implemented strict vigilance and equipped hospitals with necessary equipment,” she added.

Addressing recent complaints, the Minister highlighted issues related to night-duty staffing in hospitals. “There have been many complaints that senior doctors are absent during night shifts. Interns are present, but senior doctors are not on duty. We conducted several visits to hospitals to verify this situation,” she said.

Itoo acknowledged that while some hospitals have junior doctors on duty, senior doctors often do not stay through the night. “This issue needs to be taken seriously—senior doctors must be present during night shifts, not just junior staff,” she said.

The Minister admitted that the healthcare system inherited a shortage of doctors, but pointed out that the present dispensation led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is working on it. “Several senior doctors—five or six—were appointed, and many consultants, previously removed, were posted in remote areas,” she said.

She said, “Yes, there is a shortage, but alongside this, some doctors give more time to private practice instead of fulfilling their hospital duties—coming on time and attending to patients properly.”

“During recent hospital inspections, many of these concerns were found to be valid. As a result, the government has decided to take strict action because here, emergencies are closed, OPDs are shut, and hospitals are left without proper services,” she said.

The Minister also announced new measures to improve accountability and patient care. “Doctors should be available promptly when patients arrive. It is also necessary for doctors to wear nameplates with their names on their uniforms, so patients can easily identify their doctors, whether they are orthopedic specialists or from other departments,” she said. (KNO)

Stone pelting activity nullified in J&K post-Art 370 revocation: J P Nadda

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

New Delhi: Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President J P Nadda said stone pelting incidents in Jammu and Kashmir have reduced to zero since the abrogation of Article 370. He said that while more than 2,000 such incidents occurred between 2010 and 2014, not a single case had been reported in the last three years.

As per KNO, he said Kashmir Valley had not been shut down for even a day in recent years.

According to him, terrorism in the region had been limited to foreign elements, and the average life span of a terrorist in the valley had come down to seven days. This, he said, was the outcome of a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism.

Nadda said the current security situation was the result of strong political decisions. “The same police and army operated earlier as well, but there was a lack of political will in the past to act against Pakistan,” he said.

The BJP leader said that after the Uri terror attack, the Indian Army carried out surgical strikes within three days. According to him, this was the first time since 1947 that an Indian Prime Minister had publicly declared that those behind the attack would not be spared.

He said that during the UPA government, no such action was taken despite repeated terror attacks. Referring to incidents such as the 2005 Delhi blasts, the 2006 Varanasi attack, and the 2006 Mumbai train bombings, Nadda said there was no pressure put on Pakistan at the time.

“Even after the 2008 Jaipur bomb blasts by Indian Mujahideen, the Indian and Pakistani governments agreed on confidence-building measures. They kept firing bullets at us, and we kept offering them biryani,” he said.

Responding to criticism from the Opposition over the Pahalgam incident, Nadda said those raising questions should look at their own record. “During their tenure, multiple blasts took place across the country, and many people were killed, but no concrete action was taken. Trade and terror continued side by side during those years,” he said.

The BJP National President said that at the 2009 SCO Summit, the UPA government did not even mention the 2008 Mumbai attacks. (KNO)

Indus Water Treaty suspended till Pakistan ends terror: EAM Jaishankar in RS

Kashmir Leader Desk
-
0

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar on Wednesday told the Rajya Sabha that the Indus Water Treaty was not a peace initiative but a move for appeasement. He said the treaty, signed by the then Prime Minister with Pakistan, should be reviewed in the current context.

“The Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan, signed by the then Prime Minister, was not to buy peace, but for appeasement,” Jaishankar said while participating in a discussion on Operation Sindoor, as reported by KNO.

Referring to recent developments, he said, “The Indus Water Treaty will be held in abeyance until Pakistan irrevocably gives up its support of terrorism. Blood and water will not flow together.”

Opening the second day of the debate in the Rajya Sabha, the EAM began by expressing condolences for the civilians killed in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.

He then detailed India’s position during Operation Sindoor and the diplomatic communication with various countries during that time. “When Operation Sindoor commenced, several countries were in touch with us to see how serious the situation was and how long it would go,” he said. “We gave the same message to all countries, that we were not open to any mediation. Anything between us and Pakistan will only be bilateral.”

On India’s military response, Jaishankar said, “We told them we were responding to the Pakistani attack and would continue to respond. If that fighting were to stop, Pakistan must make a request. And that request could only come through the channel of the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO).”

He also addressed opposition claims related to international diplomacy. “I want to tell them (Opposition) that from April 22 to June 16, there has been no phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump,” he said.

Jaishankar said India conveyed to the international community that it would not accept any form of mediation or pressure tactics. “We gave a message that India is not open to mediation. We will not accept nuclear blackmail,” he said.

The EAM said that terrorism is now on the global agenda because of consistent efforts made by the present government. (KNO)

1...100101102...139Page 101 of 139

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© kashmir Leader Magazine . Powered By FmSoft