Crocus sativus Linn corms

Saffron -Crocus sativus Linn

Family: Iridaceae

English name: Saffron

Kashmiri: Kung

Habitat            : Dry raised slopes

Distribution : Native of S. Europe and west Asia. Cultivated in Kashmir.

Botinical features: Corms of walnut size with fibrous scales remaining upto 30 cm deep in soil. Flowers stalkless with a long slender corolla tube and 6 equal perianth lobes of deep blue-violet colour. Stamens 3; style 3-lobed deep brick-red.

Medicinal uses: Saffron is highly valued spice and colouring agent often cited folk remedy for various types of cancers e.g. tumors of abdomen, bladder, ear, eye, kidney, spleen, stomach and tonsils. It is used as a nervine sedative and given in fevers, melancholia and enlargement of Liver.

Chemical composition: Saffron contains: 12.6% protein, 4.7% fixed oil, 0.8% volatile oil, 57.3% N-free extract, 12.0% starch equivalent, 4.9% fibres and 4.9% fibres and 4.0% ash. Saffron contains a mixture of yellow glycosides, crocin yields gentiobiose and crocetin

Other uses: Dye obtained from flower petals is used to flavour and colour food material. Corms have been used as scarcity food.

Crocus sativus Linn corms
Crocus sativus Linn Live (stigma) are also available on site:-

POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001
Ph: 01933-223705
Mob: 09858986794
e-mail: cikashmir@gmail.com
home: http://chenabindustries.blogspot.com

Ginkgo biloba seeds/Nuts/Laves/Plants for sale

This refers to Ginkgo which is in the worldwide  news. Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest living tree species and its leaves are among the most extensively studied botanicals in use today. In Europe and the United States, Ginkgo supplements are among the best-selling herbal medications. It consistently ranks as a top medicine prescribed in France and Germany.

Ginkgo has been used in traditional medicine to treat circulatory disorders and enhance memory. Scientific studies throughout the years have found evidence to support these uses.

Although not all studies agree, ginkgo may be especially effective in treating dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease) and intermittent claudication (poor circulation in the legs). It also shows promise for enhancing memory in older adults. Laboratory studies have shown that ginkgo improves blood circulation by dilating blood vessels and reducing the stickiness of blood platelets.

It is our prestige to have Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre-JKMPIC introduces 500 Ginkgo biloba plants . Now both its male and female plants have been cultivated. As this plant is in high demand throughout world, we can cultivate it on large scale and can make the name of your sate not only in India but all over the world.

Plants/Seeds, Leafs available at:

Chenab Industries Kashmir-CIK
POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001
Ph: 01933-223705
Mob: 09858986794
e-mail: cikashmir@gmail.com
home: http://chenabindustries.blogspot.com

CLARY SAGE-Salvia sclarea seeds for sale

CLARY SAGE-Salvia sclarea
Family : Lamiaceae

Details : The Romans called it sclarea, from claurus, or “clear,” because they used it as an eyewash. The practice of German merchants of adding clary and elder flowers to Rhine wine to make it imitate a good Muscatel was so common that Germans still call the herb Muskateller Salbei and the English know it as Muscatel Sage. Clary sometimes replaced hops in beer to produce an enhanced state of intoxication and exhilaration, although this reportedly was often followed by a severe headache. It was considered a 12 th-century aphrodisiac.

Part used : herb/flowering tops and foliage

Constituents : linalyl acetate, linalol, pinene, myrcene, saponine and phellandrene.

Actions : anticonvulsive, antidepressant, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, bactericidal.

Medicinal Uses : Like its relative sage, clary tea, the leaf juice in ale or beer, was recommended for many types of women’s problems, including delayed or painful menstruation. It was once used to stop night sweating in tuberculosis patients. An astringent is gargled, douched and poured over skin wounds. It is combined with other herbs for kidney problems. The clary seeds form a thick mucilage when soaked for a few minutes and placed in the eye, helps to removed, small irritating particles. A tea of the leaves is also used as an eyewash. Clary is also used to reduce muscle spasms. It is used today mainly to treat digestive problems such as gas and indigestion. It is also regarded as a tonic, calming herb that helps relieve premenstrual problems. Because of its estrogen-stimulating action, clary sage is most effective when levels of this hormone are low. The plant can therefore be a valuable remedy for complaints associated with menopause, particularly hot flashes.

Cultivation details : Requires a very well-drained light sandy soil in a sunny position. Thrives on any ground that is not too wet. Plants can be killed by excessive winter wet. Hardy to about -20°c. A biennial or short-lived perennial. The flowers can be air-dried and used as everlasting flowers. A very ornamental plant, it is strongly aromatic and is sometimes cultivated for its essential oil, there are some named varieties. When bruised, the leaves release a deliciously pungent and refreshing smell of fresh grapefruit. The flowers are very attractive to bees. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.

Propagation: Seed - can be sown in situ during spring. Alternatively seed can be sown in August/September to overwinter, it will then produce larger plants Thinnings can be transplanted. The seed remains viable for 5 years.

Clary-Salvia sclarea cashmiriana seedsAvailable :In stock
Qty: Number of Seeds Per Pack: 50
Price: 550/US$10/pkt
More details:
Chenab Industries Kashmir-CIK
POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR Jammu and Kashmir  190001
Ph: 09858986794
Landline: 01933-223705
e-mail: cikashmir@gmail.com, iirc@rediffmail.com
home: http://chenabindustries.blogspot.com

Sweet Chestnut seeds for sale

Sweet Chestnut plant

Sweet Chestnut-Castanea cashmiriana

Prefers a good well-drained slightly acid loam in a sunny position but it also succeeds in dry soils. Once established, it is very drought tolerant. Plants are very tolerant of highly acid, infertile dry sands. Averse to calcareous soils but succeeds on harder limestones. Tolerates maritime exposure though it is slower growing in such a position. The dormant plant is very cold-hardy in Kashmir, though the young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender.

The sweet chestnut is often cultivated for its edible seed in warm temperate zones, there are several named varieties. Both 'Marron de Lyon' and 'Paragon' produce fruits with a single large kernel (rather than 2 - 4 smaller kernels) and so are preferred for commercial production. Sweet chestnuts require a warm dry summer in order to ripen their fruit properly in Kashmir  and even then these seeds are generally inferior in size and quality to seeds grown in continental climates. Most species in this genus are not very well adapted for the cooler maritime climate of Kashmir, preferring hotter summers, but this species grows well here.

An excellent soil-enriching understorey in pine forests.Flowers are produced on wood of the current year's growthand they are very attractive to bees. Plants are fairly self-sterile. They hybridize freely with other members of this genus. At one time this tree was widely grown in coppiced woodlands for its wood, but the practise of coppicing has fallen into virtual disuse. Trees regrow very quickly after being cut down, producing utilizable timber every 10 years. This species is not often seen in Cornwall though it grows very well there. Trees take 30 years from seed to come into bearing. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.

Propagation : Seed - where possible sow the seed as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame or in a seed bed outdoors. The seed must be protected from mice and squirrels. The seed has a short viability and must not be allowed to become dry. It can be stored in a cool place, such as the salad compartment of a fridge, for a few months if it is kept moist, but check regularly for signs of germination. The seed should germinate in late winter or early spring. If sown in an outdoor seedbed, the plants can be left in situ for 1 - 2 years before planting them out in their permanent positions. If grown in pots, the plants can be put out into their permanent positions in the summer or autumn, making sure to give them some protection from the cold in their first winter.

Useful to : Individuals to the forestry profession, timber growers and landowners, Medicinal/Ornamental/Fruit plant growers

Medicinal Uses : Antiinflammatory;  Astringent;  Bach;  Expectorant.

Parts uses: Bark, fruit, Leaves

Sweet Chestnut cashmiriana seeds
(Delivered: From November to March)

Qty: 100 Seeds
Price: 5500/-

Chenab Industries
POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001
Ph: 01933-223705
Mob: 09858986794
e-mail: cikashmir@gmail.com
web: http://chenabindustries.blogspot.com

Hawthron (Crataegus oxyacantha) seeds for sale

We are one of the premier registered Agriculture, Horticulture & Flouriculture based institution involved in production, development, introduction, trading and exporting of RAW HERBS, FRUITS, SPICES, Fruit, Medicinal Plants, Medicinal seeds,Vegetable seeds from the of Kashmir.

Cedrus deodar, Wild Cherry (Prunus serotina),cypress cashmiriana , Hawthron (Crataegus oxyacantha, Saffron, Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea), Horse Chestnu, Ginkgo Biloba, Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Ceratonia siliqua, Pyrethrum. Hazelnut (Corylus avellana), Belladonna (Atropa belladonna L.), Saffron corms (Crocus sativus Linn), Dioscorea  deltoidea, Geranium,  (Geranium maculatum), Mayapple  (Podophyllum peltatum), seeds, Medicinal seeds, Herbs available.

For further details please write to:
Chenab Industries
Ist Street, Shaheed-e-Azeemat Road, Nambalbal, Pampore PPR J&K 192121
Mailing address: PO Box 667 Srinagar SGR J&K- 190001
Ph: 01933-223705
Call us: 09858986794
e.mail: iirc@rediffmail.com
web: http://chenabindustries.blogspot.com

Plums (Malus prunifolia) plants for Sale

Plums (Malus prunifolia) : Fruit medium, roundish, regular, skin smooth and thin flesh deep red, juicy, sweet and soft full of aroma, stone cling type.

Growing trees from seed can be fun. However, the seed of most tree species won't germinate immediately when planted because they are in a dormant state. Dormancy must be broken before the seed can germinate.

In some tree species, dormancy is the result of a thick, hard seed coat. The seed coat may be broken in a variety of ways and the process is referred to as scarification. Mechanical means, such as a metal file or coarse sandpaper, can be used to break the seed coat. Treatment with boiling water has also been successful for a number of tree species. In nature, the seed coat may be broken by microbial action, passage of the seed through the digestive tract of a bird or other animal, exposure to alternate freezing and thawing, or fire.

The seed of many tree species will not germinate until they have been exposed to cool temperatures and moist conditions for several weeks or months. Winter weather in Iowa provides the necessary conditions to break dormancy. Gardeners can accomplish the same results by a process called stratification. Tree seed can be stratified by placing the seed in a moist 50:50 mixture of sand and peat moss. Suitable containers include coffee cans, plastic jars, and cottage cheese containers. (Punch holes in the lid of the container to provide air.) Seed can also be stratified in plastic bags. Stratify the seed in the refrigerator.

The seed of some trees, such as redbud, have hard impermeable seed coats and dormant embryos. They require both scarification and stratification for germination.

Harvest fruit when full mature. Remove the seed. Seed may be sown in the fall or stratified seed may be planted in the spring. Stratify the seeds at 33 to 41 F. The European plum (Prunus domestica) requires 90 days. Seed of plums should be planted 2 inches deep.(Like the apples and crabapples, the seed of most cultivated cherries, plums, and peaches will not reproduce true from seed.)

Plums (Malus prunifolia) Plants now available at:
Chenab Industries
Ist Street, Shaheed-e-Azemat Road, Nambalbal, Pampore PPR JK 192121
Or
POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001
Ph: 01933-223705
Mob: 09858986794
e-mail: iirc@rediffmail.com, cikashmir@gmail.com

Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba) now available at Chenab Industries Kashmir

Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba): Also called the Maidenhair tree, kew tree, bai guo or silver apricot, Ginkgo is used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine, in which it is used to rectify deficient kidney yin and deficient lung qi.

Deficient kidney yin exhibits as insomnia, dry throat, back pains, tinnitus, while deficient lung qi manifests as allergies, asthma and general weakness. It has come into mainstream Western usage in recent times, mainly for its effect on the mind – it can ease depression and boost the memory.

The ginkgo tree is very hardy and an individual tree can live thousands of years, with many 1000-2000 year old ginkgo trees in China. Archeologists have found fossilized ginkgo trees dating back 200 million years, which shows that it survived through the various ice ages.

Healing uses:

The most effective and simplest way of taking ginkgo is as a tincture. To make a tincture, place 150g of dried ginkgo leaves or 400g of fresh ginkgo leaves in a jar and cover with 500ml of vodka. Cover and store in a dark place for 4 weeks, shaking the jar daily. After 4 weeks, strain the mixture, pressing all liquid from the ginkgo. Stored in a glass bottle, this will keep for up to a year. For those who wish to avoid consuming alcohol, ginkgo tea is very simple to make. Simply add 1 cup of boiling water to 1 teaspoon of dried ginkgo or 1 tablespoon of fresh ginkgo. Allow to stand for several minutes, then sweeten as desired. The disadvantage to taking ginkgo in tea form is that the required dosage is much higher – 2-3 cups per day, rather than the 1-3 teaspoons of tincture. Alternatively, ginkgo capsules are available from health stores.

A teaspoon of tincture or 1 capsule of ginkgo each day will improve general well-being, aid mental alertness and promote longevity. Those who suffer from frequent leg-cramp will benefit from regularly taking ginkgo, as it improves blood flow.

Ginkgo has been shown to inhibit the chemical which causes asthma attacks. It also works as an anti-inflammatory to alleviate the swelling of bronchial linings, which is what impedes breathing during an asthma attack. It can be taken as a preventative in a dose of 1 teaspoon of tincture, 1 capsule or 1 cup of tea three times daily. Alternatively, a concentrated dose of 10 teaspoons of tincture can be taken at the first sign of an attack.

In combination with an improved lifestyle, ginkgo can ease hypertension, or high blood pressure. It dilates blood vessels so blood can flow more easily and thins the blood so it doesn’t clot on the fatty deposits in the veins. Taking 1 teaspoon of tincture, 1 capsule or 1 cup of tea three times a day before meals will help, but fatty food, alcohol and tobacco must be eliminated from one’s lifestyle to have a real effect on hypertension.

Tinnitus is characterised by a ringing, buzzing or humming in one or both ears when no such noise is present. This can be very annoying, and can impair the hearing. Ginkgo eases tinnitus by improving blood circulation and nerve connections in the area. Take 1 teaspoon of tincture, 1 capsule or 1 cup of tea three times a day. It should be noted that tinnitus is usually a symptom of a more serious condition. Anyone suffering from this should consult a health professional.

While there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease, studies have shown ginkgo can slow the onset of the disease and reduce the severity of the symptoms. A dosage of 2 teaspoons of tincture or 2 capsules three times daily will improve the patient’s condition in a matter of weeks.

The anti-inflammatory quality of ginkgo can help to shrink haemorrhoids. Swabbing the area with ginkgo tea three times daily will reduce the swelling. It is also beneficial to take ginkgo internally for this condition at a dosage of 1-2 teaspoons of tincture, 2 capsules or 1 cup of tea three times daily.

Taking a large dose of ginkgo at the onset of a migraine will increase blood flow to the brain and can nip the migraine in the bud. 10 teaspoons of tincture or 10 capsules are recommended. For those who suffer from migraines regularly, taking the standard dose of 1 teaspoon of tincture, 1 capsule or 1 cup of tea three times daily can prevent migraines appearing.

Cautions:

Haemophiliacs should never take ginkgo, as its blood thinning properties are potentially very dangerous for people suffering from this condition. Similarly, individuals taking anti-coagulant medication should avoid ginkgo.

Some people may experience headaches, stomach upset or dizziness while taking gingko. These effects are not serious and should pass fairly quickly.

Other uses:

Ginkgo can maximize the benefit of studying for tests and exams. A high dose of about 6-10 teaspoons of liquid extract before a study can greatly aid memory and concentration. Such dosages should only ever be taken temporarily, however, preferably continuing for no more than a week at a time.

Culinary:

Ginkgo seeds or Ginkgo nuts are considered a delicacy in China and other Asian countries. They must be roasted or boiled before eating the nutlike meat inside the seeds. Ginkgo nuts are frequently used in Oriental sweet and savory dishes, including soup and porridge. Roasted ginkgo nuts are often served as an accompaniment to poultry, as a digestive aid at formal banquets and at Chinese weddings, as they are thought to bring good luck. They are sold by street vendors in Chinese cities, and are a favourite of children. The Chinese name for the seed translates as "silver almond". Ginkgo seed food products may be purchased in Oriental department stores.

Ginkgo seeds contain several unique organic compounds, including bilobol, ginkgol, ginnol, and ginkgolic acid. In eastern Asia, the ginkgo seed has been used in traditional medicine for treating a wide variety of ailments, including asthma, coughs, pulmonary tuberculosis, senility and bladder irritability. Its traditional herbal actions include antimicrobial, anti~inflammatory and vasodilatory. The Ginkgo~based supplements which are being used against Alzheimer's, are made by extracting specific beneficial components of the Ginkgo leaf, and discarding the toxic components. We do not recommend using Ginkgo leaf tea, because of the potential toxicity.

Growing ginkgo:

Ginkgo is a tree which can take up to 30 years to reach maturity and will take up a 5-10 metre wide space in your graden. However once planted it is very easy to take care of. It is best purchased as a young tree from a nursery and planted in a sunny position in late Spring. It will grow easily in even very poor or polluted soils and a dry environment.

Ginkgo biloba seeds/Plants now available at:

Chenab Industries

Ist Street, Shaheed-e-Azemat Road, Nambalbal, Pampore PPR JK 192121

Or

POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001

Ph: 01933-223705

Mob: 09858986794

e-mail: iirc@rediffmail.com, cikashmir@gmail.com

home: http://chenabindustries.blogspot.com

Kiwi Fruit Farming in Kashmir and India

Kashmiri soil is all set to produce New Zealand’s national fruit – Kiwi, as Valley Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre JKMPIC would be planting 22,000 plants of Kiwi from the ensuing plantation season. “Now, after four years we may have another fruit – Kiwi - available in the market. We will plant  22,000  plants of Kiwi this season, which will bear fruits after four years,” Director Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre JKMPIC,.Sheikh Gulzaar said. Excited over the increase in the annual production of indigenous varieties of fruit and expansion in total horticultural area, Sheikh Gulzaar’s fresh vision is to introduce new exported varieties of fruit in Kashmir, so that “Kashmir’s Fruit production offers a wide variety of fresh fruit in market.”

“We are blessed with temperate climate and fertile soil, so we do not face any challenge while introducing new imported varieties on our soil. Kiwi is a temperate fruit, and Kashmir’s climate and soil is apt for its growth,” Sheikh GULZAAR said.

He added that Kashmir witnesses 10 percent increase in its annual fresh fruit production. “We are happy with the production of our fresh fruit. Now our focus is to enhance the quality of our produce and to introduce new varieties of international standard. Kiwi fruit is one of the new varieties,” Sheikh GULZAAR added.

For introducing new fruit in the Valley, Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre JKMPIC exported the ‘Kiwi plant material’ from New Zealand two years back and propagated it into a mother plant in a high-tech green house at in Kashmir . The mother plant later propagated into thousands of Kiwi plant saplings, before being introduced into fields. 

“Now, we will introduce it everywhere in valley where irrigation facility is smooth. We hope that it will become one more cash crop of Kashmir in future,” said director Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre JKMPIC, adding, Kiwi plants would be introduced in both government sector farming and among private growers. 

The kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) is a large, woody, deciduous perennial vine native to the Yangtze Valley of China. Seeds from China were taken to New Zealand and planted in 1906. Kiwi, besides being the national fruit of New Zealand is also one the country’s major exports vine.     

“It (Kiwifruit) is brown, egg sized and covered with fuzz. When sliced, the fruit yields an attractive emerald green flesh with rows of small, dark, edible seeds, and a light cream colored center. Its flavor is similar to a blend between strawberry and pineapple. The kiwifruit is high in vitamin C and can be used as a tenderizer when rubbed on meat,” Sheikh GULZAAR  said while giving the description of the Kiwifruit.

Kiwis are fun, rewarding & easy to grow !

Beautiful vines with nutritious and delicious fruit. They need a strong arbor, or trellis and annual pruning. Fertilizer and water are the remainingingredients needed to begin enjoying this exciting fruit.

VARIETIES: The Fuzzy Kiwi ( Actinidia deliciousa), is a very vigorous vine hardy to about 0 degrees F. The Hardy Kiwi ( Actinidia arguta) is hardy to about -25 degrees F. While the fruit is smaller than that of the Fuzzy Kiwi, it is sweeter and with its smooth skin it can be

eaten like a grape.

SITE SELECTION: The Fuzzy Kiwi prefer a location with full sun. Hardy Kiwi can grow in sun or shade. Kiwis grow well in both light and heavy soils, so long as they are well drained. On poorly drained soils, plant on sloping ground or make a raised bed so that excess water will drain away from the trunk. Avoid frost pockets. If space allows, Arctic Beauty should be given an 8 ft. spacing; Issai also can use an 8 ft spacing. All other kiwis can fill a 15 ft. spacing. Males should be within 50 ft or so of females for best pollination. Since male vines produce no fruit, they don’t have to be on a trellis. A nearby shade tolerant, low branching, evergreen tree of mature size (cedar, spruce, hemlock, redwood, etc.) can be used for a male vine to climb up. Planted near the outer branches, a kiwi can eventually climb 60 ft. Kiwis can also be used to cover a fence or grow along a deck. Fertile soil, high in organic matter is ideal for your Kiwis. Applying rotted manure or compost will help build up organic matter & fertility. When ready to plant, dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots without crowding. Slow acting materials like rock phosphate, kelp meal, and compost can be mixed with the soil in the planting hole. Potted plants should be planted carefully so as not to disturb the roots. Root bound potted plants however should have their roots pulled apart to some extent & spread to the sides of the hole. For all plants DO NOT LET THE ROOTS DRY OUT. Kiwis should be planted at about the same level as they were grown in the nursery. After planting, soak the planting area to remove air from around the roots.

CAUTION: Young shoots & leaves can be injured by light frosts. During the first spring, protection from late frost is important & is helpful in future years. Cover the plant when frost threatens or turn on a sprinkler. Sprinkling will protect leaves to about 27F.

FERTLIZER & IRRIGATION: Kiwis like to be fertilized every spring with a balanced fertilizer high in nitrogen, such as fish meal. Spread the fertilizer throughout the area of the vineyard to feed the Kiwis surface root system. Apply fertilizer before summer to avoid frost tender wood in the fall. Kiwis are shallow rooted plants. They need regular irrigation during the summer. A deep watering once or twice a week should be sufficient, if it doesn’t rain. Avoid over watering & hold back water in the fall to help harden plants for winter. Mulching a 2-3 ft circle around the plants with straw, compost or other organic materials helps conserve moisture & keep down weeds.

PRUNING & TRAINING: When planting we recommend that you cut the plant back to about 1 ft from the ground. Select a vigorous shoot to grow rapidly to the top of the support. Gently tie this shoot to a stout post as it grows, and later remove other less vigorous shoots. When the vine reaches the top of the support, tip it back, & allow two buds near the top to grow & train them along the support wires or beams. Tie them loosely with heavy string or plastic tape. These cordons form the basic structure of your plant. By the end of the second season, you should have a good framework established. Before spring, cut back the two cordons to 8-20 buds. These buds should produce your first fruiting spurs. Train the end bud to extend the cordon further along the trellis & prune it back the following spring to 8-10 buds to produce more fruiting spurs. Once the cordons have reached the limits of the support regular pruning can begin. Kiwis flower & bear fruit on wood that has grown fromthe previous seasons growth. Dormant pruning of female vines begins by heading back last years fruiting canes to 10- 12 buds past the last fruit. After several years, small weak wood should be heavily pruned to force new vigorous canes. Twisted, tangled, & broken canes should be removed as well as those crossing from one side of the plant to the other. Growth hanging to the ground should be pruned out or tied to the trellis. Excess fruiting spurs should be removed so that 8-12 inches separates each cane. As you prune your Kiwis, you will begin to get a feel for what should stay & what should be removed. Male plants are treated somewhat differently. Since they are grown only for flowers, they need only about one fourth of the trellis space in a small planting. Males can be pruned more severely to control growth & avoid crowding the female vines. Heavier summer pruning is widely practiced with male plants.

CAUTION:  Avoid pruning in early spring after the plant has begun growth, excess bleeding can occur & damage to the plant may result.

WINTER CARE OF THE FUZZY KIWI:  The biggest problemwe have seen in growing the Fuzzy Kiwi in western Oregon and Washington has been frost damage to the lower trunk. While the top of the plant is hardy to below 10 degrees when dormant. Sunny weather with very cold nights can cause freeze damage to the lower portion of the trunk. In many cases this damage is severe enough to girdle the plants causing the death of the top. While plants often send up new shoots, the top growth is lost. To prevent this damage, wrap the lower 2-3 feet of trunk with insulating material such as ¼ inch closed cell foam. Mulch heavily around the base of the plant as well if severe weather threatens.

Kewi Plants available at:

Chenab Industries

POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001

Ph: 01933-223705

Mob: 09858986794

e-mail: cikashmir@gmail.com, iirc@rediffmail.com

Kiwi Fruit Farming in Kashmir and India

Kashmiri soil is all set to produce New Zealand’s national fruit – Kiwi, as Valley Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre JKMPIC would be planting 22,000 plants of Kiwi from the ensuing plantation season. “Now, after four years we may have another fruit – Kiwi - available in the market. We will plant  22,000  plants of Kiwi this season, which will bear fruits after four years,” Director Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre JKMPIC,.Sheikh Gulzaar said. Excited over the increase in the annual production of indigenous varieties of fruit and expansion in total horticultural area, Sheikh Gulzaar’s fresh vision is to introduce new exported varieties of fruit in Kashmir, so that “Kashmir’s Fruit production offers a wide variety of fresh fruit in market.”

“We are blessed with temperate climate and fertile soil, so we do not face any challenge while introducing new imported varieties on our soil. Kiwi is a temperate fruit, and Kashmir’s climate and soil is apt for its growth,” Sheikh GULZAAR said.

He added that Kashmir witnesses 10 percent increase in its annual fresh fruit production. “We are happy with the production of our fresh fruit. Now our focus is to enhance the quality of our produce and to introduce new varieties of international standard. Kiwi fruit is one of the new varieties,” Sheikh GULZAAR added.

For introducing new fruit in the Valley, Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre JKMPIC exported the ‘Kiwi plant material’ from New Zealand two years back and propagated it into a mother plant in a high-tech green house at in Kashmir . The mother plant later propagated into thousands of Kiwi plant saplings, before being introduced into fields. 

“Now, we will introduce it everywhere in valley where irrigation facility is smooth. We hope that it will become one more cash crop of Kashmir in future,” said director Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre JKMPIC, adding, Kiwi plants would be introduced in both government sector farming and among private growers. 

The kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) is a large, woody, deciduous perennial vine native to the Yangtze Valley of China. Seeds from China were taken to New Zealand and planted in 1906. Kiwi, besides being the national fruit of New Zealand is also one the country’s major exports vine.     

“It (Kiwifruit) is brown, egg sized and covered with fuzz. When sliced, the fruit yields an attractive emerald green flesh with rows of small, dark, edible seeds, and a light cream colored center. Its flavor is similar to a blend between strawberry and pineapple. The kiwifruit is high in vitamin C and can be used as a tenderizer when rubbed on meat,” Sheikh GULZAAR  said while giving the description of the Kiwifruit.

Kiwis are fun, rewarding & easy to grow !

Beautiful vines with nutritious and delicious fruit. They need a strong arbor, or trellis and annual pruning. Fertilizer and water are the remainingingredients needed to begin enjoying this exciting fruit.

VARIETIES: The Fuzzy Kiwi ( Actinidia deliciousa), is a very vigorous vine hardy to about 0 degrees F. The Hardy Kiwi ( Actinidia arguta) is hardy to about -25 degrees F. While the fruit is smaller than that of the Fuzzy Kiwi, it is sweeter and with its smooth skin it can be

eaten like a grape.

SITE SELECTION: The Fuzzy Kiwi prefer a location with full sun. Hardy Kiwi can grow in sun or shade. Kiwis grow well in both light and heavy soils, so long as they are well drained. On poorly drained soils, plant on sloping ground or make a raised bed so that excess water will drain away from the trunk. Avoid frost pockets. If space allows, Arctic Beauty should be given an 8 ft. spacing; Issai also can use an 8 ft spacing. All other kiwis can fill a 15 ft. spacing. Males should be within 50 ft or so of females for best pollination. Since male vines produce no fruit, they don’t have to be on a trellis. A nearby shade tolerant, low branching, evergreen tree of mature size (cedar, spruce, hemlock, redwood, etc.) can be used for a male vine to climb up. Planted near the outer branches, a kiwi can eventually climb 60 ft. Kiwis can also be used to cover a fence or grow along a deck. Fertile soil, high in organic matter is ideal for your Kiwis. Applying rotted manure or compost will help build up organic matter & fertility. When ready to plant, dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots without crowding. Slow acting materials like rock phosphate, kelp meal, and compost can be mixed with the soil in the planting hole. Potted plants should be planted carefully so as not to disturb the roots. Root bound potted plants however should have their roots pulled apart to some extent & spread to the sides of the hole. For all plants DO NOT LET THE ROOTS DRY OUT. Kiwis should be planted at about the same level as they were grown in the nursery. After planting, soak the planting area to remove air from around the roots.

CAUTION: Young shoots & leaves can be injured by light frosts. During the first spring, protection from late frost is important & is helpful in future years. Cover the plant when frost threatens or turn on a sprinkler. Sprinkling will protect leaves to about 27F.

FERTLIZER & IRRIGATION: Kiwis like to be fertilized every spring with a balanced fertilizer high in nitrogen, such as fish meal. Spread the fertilizer throughout the area of the vineyard to feed the Kiwis surface root system. Apply fertilizer before summer to avoid frost tender wood in the fall. Kiwis are shallow rooted plants. They need regular irrigation during the summer. A deep watering once or twice a week should be sufficient, if it doesn’t rain. Avoid over watering & hold back water in the fall to help harden plants for winter. Mulching a 2-3 ft circle around the plants with straw, compost or other organic materials helps conserve moisture & keep down weeds.

PRUNING & TRAINING: When planting we recommend that you cut the plant back to about 1 ft from the ground. Select a vigorous shoot to grow rapidly to the top of the support. Gently tie this shoot to a stout post as it grows, and later remove other less vigorous shoots. When the vine reaches the top of the support, tip it back, & allow two buds near the top to grow & train them along the support wires or beams. Tie them loosely with heavy string or plastic tape. These cordons form the basic structure of your plant. By the end of the second season, you should have a good framework established. Before spring, cut back the two cordons to 8-20 buds. These buds should produce your first fruiting spurs. Train the end bud to extend the cordon further along the trellis & prune it back the following spring to 8-10 buds to produce more fruiting spurs. Once the cordons have reached the limits of the support regular pruning can begin. Kiwis flower & bear fruit on wood that has grown fromthe previous seasons growth. Dormant pruning of female vines begins by heading back last years fruiting canes to 10- 12 buds past the last fruit. After several years, small weak wood should be heavily pruned to force new vigorous canes. Twisted, tangled, & broken canes should be removed as well as those crossing from one side of the plant to the other. Growth hanging to the ground should be pruned out or tied to the trellis. Excess fruiting spurs should be removed so that 8-12 inches separates each cane. As you prune your Kiwis, you will begin to get a feel for what should stay & what should be removed. Male plants are treated somewhat differently. Since they are grown only for flowers, they need only about one fourth of the trellis space in a small planting. Males can be pruned more severely to control growth & avoid crowding the female vines. Heavier summer pruning is widely practiced with male plants.

CAUTION:  Avoid pruning in early spring after the plant has begun growth, excess bleeding can occur & damage to the plant may result.

WINTER CARE OF THE FUZZY KIWI:  The biggest problemwe have seen in growing the Fuzzy Kiwi in western Oregon and Washington has been frost damage to the lower trunk. While the top of the plant is hardy to below 10 degrees when dormant. Sunny weather with very cold nights can cause freeze damage to the lower portion of the trunk. In many cases this damage is severe enough to girdle the plants causing the death of the top. While plants often send up new shoots, the top growth is lost. To prevent this damage, wrap the lower 2-3 feet of trunk with insulating material such as ¼ inch closed cell foam. Mulch heavily around the base of the plant as well if severe weather threatens.

Kewi Plants available at:

Chenab Industries

POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001

Ph: 01933-223705

Mob: 09858986794

e-mail: cikashmir@gmail.com, iirc@rediffmail.com

Ginkgo biloba Seeds for SALE

Ginkgo biloba Seeds
Botanical name :    Ginkgo biloba Linn
Family :   Ginkgoaceae.
Common name : Dilqul (Kashmiri), Bal kunwari (Hindi) Others, Fossil tree, Maiden hair tree.
Botanical identity: It is a 30 m tall straight handsome tree with spreading branches when young and bearing clusters of fan-shaped leaves. Flowers are deciduous. Fruits a drupe with foul smelling pulp surrounding a cream coloured thin shelled, sweet kernel.
Parts used:     Leaves, roots and root bark,& seedsChemical analysis  Leaves: Contain shilkimic, flavonoids, phenolic components like sesquiterpene, bilobalide and beta-sterol. Leaves and root bark: Ginkgoloides and diterpenes. Fruit extract: Anacardic acids. Seed : alkaloids like ginkgotoxin and amino acid.Action and uses:   Leaves are used in cardiovascular disorders, increased cerebral blood circulation and parkinson’s disease, Prostate troubles, Sexual disorders etc.
About Ginkgo biloba, or Maidenhair Tree, is a deciduous, dioecious tree native to Se. China. In nature, the trees can reach about 120 feet (almost 40 m) tall. In containers, their size is easily controlled with root pruning and container size. They make excellent Bonsai subjects. Branches are stiff, with both elongate and spur shoots. Medium green leaves are alternate and fan shaped, divided in the middle with a cleft; venation is open dichotomous. The seeds yield an oil which can cause dermatitis in some people. Seeds are eaten in the Orient and are believed to help with memory loss. Their content includes massive enough vitamin E concentrations that people may overdose and develop bleeding gums. The fleshy aril looks a bit like a cocktail onion, but has the memorably pungent odor of butyric acid. Production of seeds is highly variable. The unusual appearance of the tree reflects that it is a living fossil and could accurately be regarded as the last living seed fern--a deciduous gymnosperm of fascinating form. Trees are hardy in the landscape in USDA zones 5-10. They are very easy to grow.

Blooming: The tree is dioecious, the male strobili are catkin-like, and female ovules are borne in pairs on a long peduncle, with only one maturing. The seed is white to translucent and fleshy in appearance to 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) across.

Culture: Ginkgo biloba do best in full sun to light shade. For our trees in the greenhouse, we keep them on the small side, about 2 feet (0.6 m) tall. We use a soil mix consisting of equal parts of peat, loam and sand with calcined clay added to increase drainage. This gives a very well drained soil mix. We water the plants on a daily basis and fertilize them once a month with a balanced fertilizer. The plants are kept in our cool room all year, and subjected to outside temperatures in the summer months. In the fall, water is somewhat restricted as the plants start to lose their leaves. At this time, the nighttime temperatures are dropped to 48°F (9°C) for the winter. During this period, plants are root pruned and new soil mix is added. Plants are watered very carefully after root pruning. Fertilizing will resume in spring after new growth starts.

Propagation: Ginkgo biloba is propagated from cuttings, layers and seed. Seed is best collected in October and care must be taken to clean the fleshy aril from the seed (this can be a very unpleasant task given the odor of butyric acid). The seed is allowed to warm stratify for 2 months and then cold stratify for 2 months before germinating.


How To Start These Seeds:
Scarification: Soak in water, let stand in water for 12 hours
Stratification: Cold stratify for 60 days
Germination: Can be sown outdoors in the fall for spring germination, sow 2-3 inch deep, tamp the soil, keep moist, mulch the seed bed
Other: Stratification improves germination, but is not required

If refrigerated upon receipt, these seeds can be stored for up to a year before you decide to use them.
Volume Discount Pricing:
Qty: Price
50  Seeds  Rs. 2500/-
100 Seeds Rs. 5000/-
200 Seeds Rs. 10,000
Cuttings/Leaf/Plants are also available
Delivery: By Registered/Speed Post
Payment: DD/e-money order/Indian Postal Order, Instant money order
You can also directly deposit your payment to:

A/N: International Information Resource Centre
A/C: 0828002100015775
Branch Name: Punjab National Bank, Drangbal, Pampore PPR JK-192121

Chenab Industries, Ist Street, Nambalbal, Pampore PPR JK 190001
Ph: 09858986794, 01933-223705
e-mail: iirc@rediffmail.com, cikashmir@gmail.com
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