Over 400 high-density apple trees stolen from disabled farmer’s orchard in Shopian

Shopian, Jun 12: More than 400 high-density apple trees were stolen from the orchard of a physically-disabled farmer in Shopian district on Wednesday night, marking the latest in a series of such thefts across south Kashmir . The incident occurred in Landoora, a village known for producing first-rate apples, located about five kilometers from the district headquarters. Sajad Ahmad, the affected farmer, said he had invested over Rs 1.3 lakh in developing the orchard after securing a bank loan. “I had pinned all my hopes on this orchard. I don’t understand how I will provide for my family now. All my hopes are gone,” said Ahmad, who has been confined to a wheelchair since suffering a spinal cord injury in a road accident.

He requires daily assistance for basic activities. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation. However, Ahmad has appealed to the authorities for swift action.

“This orchard was my only source of livelihood,” he said. The incident has sparked outrage in the local community, with residents demanding stricter measures to protect orchards and bring the culprits to justice. This is not the first such theft reported in south Kashmir. On May 25, thieves stole hundreds of apple trees from a recently established high-density orchard in Nikloora village in neighbouring Pulwama district. The owners had invested several lakhs of rupees in the project. In another incident on February 14, burglars targeted an apple nursery in Renzipora village and fled with around 14,000 rootstock plants. Farmers say the repeated thefts are creating fear and uncertainty in the horticulture sector and have urged the administration to take immediate measures to contain such incidents .