Dawood Naik
In a bizarre and unprecedented incident, thieves have struck an apple orchard belonging to a poor family in the Arihal village of Pulwama, stealing 300 high-density apple trees. The theft has not only shocked the local community but has also raised serious concerns among farmers about the safety of their orchards.
The high-density apple trees, known for their premium quality and market value, are priced between ₹800 to ₹1,200 per plant. The family, already struggling with financial constraints, now faces an additional burden of recovering from this significant loss. The stolen trees were part of their livelihood and an essential source of income.
Local farmers have expressed their disappointment and fear following the incident. Many are now anxious about the safety of their orchards, fearing that similar thefts could occur in the future. “This incident has left us feeling insecure. We put years of hard work into nurturing these trees, and to see them stolen like this is devastating,” said a concerned farmer from the area.
The family and the farming community have appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir Police to take swift action and apprehend the thieves. “We request the authorities to investigate this matter urgently and ensure such incidents do not happen again. This theft has created a sense of panic among us,” said a member of the affected family.
The incident highlights the need for increased security measures and community vigilance in safeguarding valuable agricultural assets. Farmers are urging the government to consider policies that provide additional protection and support for orchard owners in the region.
As investigations continue, the community hopes for a quick resolution to this unusual case that has shaken the faith of many in the safety of their livelihoods.