Early heat triggers premature apple bud break in Kashmir

Shopian, Mar 2: An unusual rise in temperature has triggered the early bud break of apple orchards across Kashmir, setting off alarm bells among growers in the Valleyís key horticulture sector.

This year, Kashmir witnessed above-normal temperatures through February and early March, advancing the bud-breaking process by nearly four weeks in several districts.

Apple farmers say the premature sprouting has disrupted the natural cycle of the orchards, which typically begins later in spring.

Tariq Ahmad Mir, an orchardist from south Kashmir’s Shopian district, said the change has been clearly visible in his fields.

ìThe buds have broken at least 20 days before the usual season. It will also cause early flowering,î Mir said.

He said that while the early growth may appear healthy for now, it has heightened anxiety among growers who depend on stable weather patterns during the critical flowering stage.

Farmers fear that a sudden drop in temperature, frost, or a spell of rain  during flowering could severely damage the blossoms, directly impacting fruit setting and yield.

ìIf temperatures fall during flowering, it could spell doom for the orchards,î Mir said, echoing concerns shared by many in the apple belt.

Kashmir recorded one of its warmest February in recent years, with temperatures in the last week of the month hovering between 20 and 21 degrees Celsius, far above the seasonal average.

The unusual warmth has accelerated physiological activity in apple trees, pushing them out of dormancy earlier than expected.

Horticulture experts say that while early bud break is not unprecedented, a four-week shift is significant and could expose crops to climatic risks.

Apple cultivation forms the backbone of Kashmirís rural economy, supporting lakhs of families directly and indirectly through trade and allied sectors.

The above-normal temperatures in February and early March have therefore deepened uncertainty in the horticulture sector.

Growers are now closely monitoring weather forecasts, hoping that stable conditions prevail in the coming weeks to safeguard this yearís crop.

For many farmers, the coming fortnight would determine whether the early bloom translates into a healthy harvest or a season of losses.