Porcupine Invasion In Kashmir Apple Orchards. Thousands Of Trees Damaged
NDTV
The worst-hit areas are plateaus of Shopian, Pulwama and Budgam districts where thousands of trees have been affected.
Thousands of farmers in the Kashmir Valley are facing a new and unusual enemy to their livelihood - porcupines - large, thorny rodents that are attacking almond and apple trees.
The orchardists are now covering the stump of trees with wire mesh and jute bags as a shield. The farmers say, fruit trees have become a target during winter months.
"It is attacking trees during winters - it peels the bark of fruit tree. Eventually the tree dies within one year. It has caused massive damage. Now it is attacking apple trees after targeting almonds," said Ghulam Nabi Dar, a farmer in Pulwama.
The farmers say all their hard work to grow fruit trees for years together is suddenly being destroyed.
