Bumper plum crop in Kashmir
20 Jul 2008, 1029 Hrs

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Srinagar, July 20 (ANI): Kashmir has a bumper crop of plums this season and farmers hope that the total turnover will be around 500 metric tones.

"Last year it was only 2 to 2.5 thousand tones because of adverse weather conditions and this year the target is 500 metric tones," said M S Qasba, Director, Department of Horticulture.

"This year the crop has been very good because snowfall took place at the right time. The plums are juicy and very sweet this year," said Zahoor Ahmad, a plum dealer.

Kashmir, known for its meadows, pine forests and snow-capped peaks, is popular for its fruits and dry-fruits as well.

Kashmiri plums are known for their excellent taste and are very popular all over the country. Plums come in different varieties like sentarosa, silver plum, and chokandra plum.

The cool and dry climate of Kashmir is suitable for exotic fruits like apples, pears, cherries, grapes, mulberry, peaches, apricots, walnuts and almonds which require moderate rainfall and bright sunshine. By Parvez Butt (ANI)