Kashmir known for its enchanting winter vistas is currently going snow deficit which has put its 10,000 Cr fruit industry in trouble.
Kashmir going snow deficit has not only affected the tourism industry of the valley but has overall put the locals in great peril.The fruit industry of Kashmir is an example.
People belonging to this industry have expressed their concern over the atypical winter situation of Kashmir. “The year 2023 proved to be a challenging period for Kashmir’s fruit sector as it bore the brunt of climate change,”said a fruit grower.
Kashmir experienced pathetic weather pattern this season, that only added to the already existing woes of farmers. The consequences were dire, with an estimated 40 percent dip in fruit production, leaving the agricultural community grappling with substantial losses.
Now, as the winter of the current year unfolds, the concerns of farmers have intensified further.
Chairman fruit growers association Kashmir Bashir Ahmed Basheer expressed concern over the present climatic conditions of Kashmir.
He commented:”The stark absence of snow, coupled with a drastic decline in precipitation, paints a worrying picture for the upcoming harvest.”
Bashir is apprehensive about another season being marred by a snow-less winter.
Bashir expressed: “Winter snow is a must as it provides crops a chilling period and also keeps the soil moist, ensuring irrigation facilities during the hot summer months. However, when there is no snow, there is a total change in the weather pattern, leading to crop destruction and substantial losses for farmers.”
“We are deep into Chill-i- Kalan,the harshest part of winter – and still there is no snowfall. It is a cause of worry for the farmers’ community,”said another prominent figure in the farming community, Muhammad Ashraf Wani, a fruit grower and former president of Fruit Mandi Shopian.
Ashraf further added: “Apart from spurring water shortages, the dry spell will significantly affect the yield and quality. The warmer temperatures could also precipitate early flowering of stone fruits.”
He emphasises the importance of a significant dip in temperature and good snowfall for the quality and good production of apples and other crops.
