Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Apple scab, caused by the fungus Venturia inaequalis, is a major disease of apple crops.
It causes dark lesions on leaves and fruit, reducing yield and marketability.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Statement I describes a historical event in Indian fruit cultivation.
During $1972 - 1973$, an apple scab epidemic occurred in the Kashmir Valley, causing significant economic damage to growers.
This outbreak highlighted the vulnerability of existing cultivars and led to research focused on disease resistance.
Statement II refers to breeding programs initiated at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST).
To provide alternatives to susceptible varieties like Red Delicious, breeders developed scab-resistant cultivars.
'Shalimar Apple I' and 'Shalimar Apple II' were developed as commercial, scab-resistant varieties adapted to the climate of Jammu and Kashmir.
Because both statements are correct, Option (A) is the correct choice.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Both Statement I and Statement II are true, which corresponds to Option (A).