Climate anxiety in Kashmir orchards

Srinagar, Jan 17: Kashmir apples are feeling the heat amid a dry winter.

A prolonged dry spell has begun to cast a shadow over apple orchards across Kashmir, triggering anxiety among the growers who fear long-term damage to the crucial horticultural crop.

The continued absence of snowfall and an unusual rise in temperatures have raised serious concerns in the apple-growing belts of north and south Kashmir, where farmers say the season is unfolding unlike anything they have witnessed in recent years.

Apple orchards, which depend on winter chill and adequate snow cover, are now facing the risk of disrupted growth cycles.

Experts warn that higher-than-normal winter temperatures can prematurely break the dormancy period of apple trees, leading to early bud break.

They say this could make the crop vulnerable to frost damage if there is untimely snowfall or rain later in the season.

Assistant Professor at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Waseem Ali said, “The rise in day temperature can trigger early blooming in apple trees. If this is followed by rainfall or late snowfall in April, it can severely damage the flowers, which directly affects fruit setting and overall yield.”

Apple trees require a specific number of chilling hours during winter to ensure uniform flowering and healthy fruit development.

The current dry spell, coupled with warmer days, threatens to upset this balance.

Apart from its role in maintaining winter chill, snowfall is also crucial for replenishing groundwater and ensuring adequate soil moisture during the summer.

Ali said the absence of snow could have long-term consequences beyond flowering.

“Snow acts as a natural reservoir. Its gradual melting recharges the water table and maintains soil moisture,” he said. “If snowfall remains deficient, it could lead to moisture stress during the fruit development stage, affecting size and quality.”

Farmers fear that uneven blooming could result in poor-quality fruit and reduced production.

Growers in Shopian, Baramulla, Anantnag, Pulwama, and Kulgam – districts known for their sprawling apple orchards – say the lack of snow has already begun to show its effects.

Tariq Ahmad Mir, an orchardist from Shopian, said, “Normally, orchards remain dormant till March. This year, the weather feels more like early spring. If buds open too soon, one spell of cold rain can wipe out months of hard work.”

He said that there were social media reports about early bloom in other horticulture crops.

The situation is particularly worrying for small and marginal farmers who depend almost entirely on apple income.

Any significant loss in production could have serious economic implications, not only for growers but also for the broader Kashmiri economy.

Muhammad Rafi, a fruit trader from Pulwama, said, “The industry contributes around 8 percent to GDP and provides livelihood to millions. Any loss will have very serious economic implications.”