The study ‘Pesticide use pattern of horticultural crops in Kashmir with special reference to Apple’ was carried out in the Kashmir valley with proper representation from all three zones during 2019-20. Horticulture is the sector that provides empl...

The study ‘Pesticide use pattern of horticultural crops in Kashmir with special reference to Apple’ was carried out in the Kashmir valley with proper representation from all three zones during 2019-20. Horticulture is the sector that provides employment and livelihood to lakhs of people in the region either directly or indirectly. Kashmir is world famous for its temperate fruits, be it apple, walnut, saffron, zeera, honey or any other horticultural produce like almonds, etc. Apple being the main horticultural crop has captured a predominant position in area, production, and productivity. About 69 million tonnes of apples were grown worldwide in 2019-20, with China producing almost half of this total (45%). The European Union, with more than 20 per cent of world production is the second-leading producer. Other important global players are United States (7.34%), Turkey (4.36%), Iran (4.07%) and India (3.34%). The export of apple in China in the year 2019-20 was 1 million tones but it was little affected due to price inflation. The import volume in China for the year 2019-20 was 100,000 metric tons. In the United States, more than 60 per cent of all the apples sold commercially are grown in Washington. Imported apples from New Zealand and other more temperate areas are competing with U.S. production and increasing each year. Most of Australia’s apple production is for domestic consumption. Imports from New Zealand have been disallowed under quarantine regulations for fire blight since