Dry weather threatens Kashmir apple crop, farmers concerned

SRINAGAR — Apple growers in Kashmir are worried about the ongoing dry weather conditions, which threaten the development of this season’s fruit crop.

As per the news agency KNO, the valley for more than a month has been mostly witnessing a dry period with meagre rainfall recorded at some places.

Farmers are worried that the persisting dry season may impact the development of fruit, hence a big loss for them.

Farmers emphasize the crucial role of timely rainfall in ensuring healthy apple production, especially during the critical growing period.

“Apple crops need periodic rainfall. It has been a dry period for more than a month, especially in northern Kashmir and under such circumstances, we fear that our crop may suffer damages,” said Fayaz Ahmad Malik, President of North Kashmir Fruit Growers Association.

Fayaz Ahmad voiced alarm over the dry conditions, stating that not only fruit growth is hindered but also increases the risk of pests and insect infestations. “Dry weather can lead to a rise in pest populations, which poses a significant threat to our apple orchards. The lack of adequate moisture not only affects fruit development but also raises the vulnerability of orchards to various diseases,” Malik explained.

Agricultural experts emphasize the importance of timely irrigation and proper water management practices to mitigate the adverse effects of the dry spell.

“Under such conditions, it becomes an important task for a grower to manage irrigation of the orchards. Farmers should essentially concentrate on constructing borewells in the orchards so that proper water management is being done for irrigation under dry weather conditions,” said Irshad Bhat, an expert.

Many small-scale farmers said they lack the resources and infrastructure needed to implement effective irrigation systems, leaving them vulnerable to the ongoing weather challenges.

“There is not enough mechanism available to manage irrigation of our orchards. Without sufficient rainfall, the health of our apple trees is at risk. This is our main source of income, and any reduction in yield could be devastating for us,” said Ghulam Mohammad Dar, a farmer.

Horticulture is the mainstay of Kashmir’s economy with seven lakh families directly and indirectly associated with the sector. Horticulture contributes seven per cent to the Gross State Domestic Product of Jammu and Kashmir.

More than 3.38 lakh hectares of land are under fruit cultivation in the valley. Of which, 1.62 lakh hectares are under apple cultivation.