J&K govt orders constitution of expert panel on walnut weevil

The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered setting up of an expert panel for scientifically managing walnut weevil in Kishtwar district.
"To tap high potential of walnut production in Kishtwar district by scientifically managing walnut weevil, we have ordered constitution of an Expert Committee for conducting survey of Chatroo village," Minister for Horticulture Syed Basharat Ahmed Bukhari said today.
"The exercise is aimed at checking fall in production from Kishtwar district due to crop damage from walnut weevil, a menace that poses threat of huge damage and loss to crop yield and farmers' livelihood," Bukhari added.
The four member committee will comprise Programme Coordinator from Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bhaderwah; Chief Horticulture Officer, Kishtwar, R C Puttoo; DLSMS (PP) Kishtwar, Mushtaq Ahmed Wani and Horticulture Development Officer, Chatroo, Abid Hussain.

The expert committee is mandated to undertake survey and suggest management of walnut weevil in Chatroo village and its adjoining areas in Kishtwar district.
It will submit a detailed report within one week.
Highlighting the importance of increasing yield of walnuts in the state, the minister said that it is essential to adopt end-to-end approach involving production, protection, post- harvest management, processing and marketing, besides bringing more area under walnut cultivation.