Overview

• Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu mobilized expert teams after growers alerted him to yellowing leaves and premature defoliation that slashed yields.
• Multidisciplinary squads including plant pathologists, entomologists and fruit scientists are conducting on-site assessments in Kotkhai, Jubbal and Rohru.
• Investigations focus on Alternaria leaf spot and other foliar pathogens to inform targeted control strategies and grower advisories.
• Growers have flagged challenges with duplicate fungicides and short residue periods as heavy monsoon conditions worsen disease risks.
• Congress and BJP leaders are calling for protective minimum import prices to shield the ₹5,000 crore apple economy from external competition.