The illicit transportation of apple saplings from Kashmir to Himachal Pradesh has raised concerns among local authorities and horticulture experts. This unlawful trade, in direct violation of the Nursery Act, involves suppliers evading regulations by transporting apple trees in trucks and pickups without adhering to proper quarantine measures. Responding swiftly to curb this illegal activity, the Horticulture Department has taken decisive action.
Spearheading the effort, the department's team recently destroyed approximately 5,000 apple plants in Karsog that were illegally brought from Jammu and Kashmir. The operation, conducted on January 29, involved incinerating the confiscated saplings in compliance with departmental regulations. The department's team seized and destroyed the saplings.
Risks to Local Orchards
The influx of unauthorized apple saplings poses a significant risk of introducing viruses into the state, jeopardizing the health of local orchards. This not only leads to potential agricultural losses but also presents a broader threat to the region's apple industry, impacting local nursery producers who suffer financial setbacks due to the unregulated entry of these plants.
Additional Challenges for Apple Growers
Despite recent relief brought by rain and snowfall, apple growers in the state now face additional challenges due to the illegal introduction of saplings. The absence of quarantine certificates verifying the plants' disease-free status exacerbates concerns. The state imposes stringent penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for those found selling apple saplings illegally.
The Horticulture Department remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the state's agriculture industry and has encouraged public cooperation to identify and penalize individuals engaged in the illegal trade of apple saplings.
