Prolonged heatwave, dry spell causes severe water shortages, crop damage in Ganderbal

Srinagar, July 21: The prolonged heatwave, coupled with a persistent dry spell, has led to severe water shortages in the Agriculture Fields. Areas such as Haknar Gund in Ganderbal district are particularly affected, with acute water scarcity severely impacting agricultural fields. This shortage has led to the burning of paddy and maize fields, causing significant crop damage.
According to the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR), average maximum temperatures exceeding 30°C during the wheat grain-filling stage adversely affect plant growth.The higher temperatures are also increasing water demand for irrigation and human consumption, leading to accelerated depletion of groundwater resources and potential quality issues due to concentrated pollutants.
Local farmers are raising alarms about substantial crop losses due to the relentless heat and are calling on authorities to address the water supply issues urgently to mitigate further damage.
The ongoing heatwave poses severe risks to human health, including dehydration and heat-related illnesses. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of judicious water use amid the crisis.