As the protracted dry weather continues to prevail in the Kashmir Valley, agriculture experts are sounding the alarm over the potential adverse effects on the region’s agriculture and horticulture sectors. The ongoing dry spell, particularly during the core winter season of Chillai Kalan, has left Kashmir snow-deprived, with minimal to no precipitation observed across most plains.
Concerns are mounting among experts regarding the inevitable consequences of the prolonged dry weather. Since the beginning of the winter season, higher reaches of the Kashmir Valley have received minimal snowfall, while plain areas remain devoid of both snow and rainfall. Even during the traditionally harsh Chllai Kallan period, there has been no respite from the extreme dry conditions gripping the valley.
Experts believe that this shift in climatic conditions is likely to have a significant impact on the agriculture and horticulture sectors, particularly affecting the cultivation of paddy and apple crops, which require specific chilling periods and appropriate water reservoirs.
Renowned environmental expert Dr. Shakeel Ramshoo, Vice Chancellor of the Islamic University of Science and Technology, emphasizes that variations in climate, including reduced snow and rain, will adversely affect both agriculture and horticulture in the valley.
Dr. Ramshoo states, “The primary impact of the continued dry spell is going to be on agriculture and horticulture sectors. Snowfall is necessary for the proper growth of crops and fruits. Moreover, 70 percent of our water reservoirs rely on snow streams. Less snowfall is likely to lead to water shortages during the summer season, all attributed to the impacts of climate change.”
Dr Romshoo stated that the dry weather is going to have an impact on overall crop cultivation which depends on snow.
Experts opine that there might be an anticipation of water shortage for paddy cultivation. Moreover the dry weather is likely to delay and influence the quality and quantity of apple produce.
Dr. Zaffar A Badri, senior scientist and head of KVK Shopian, warns, “The dry spell is definitely going to have an adverse impact on both the agriculture and horticulture sector. Apple production braces for a major impact, as it requires a chilling period of around a hundred days for quality apples. If dry and warm weather continues, it will take a toll on both apple and paddy production due to water scarcity from less snowfall.”
Despite the delay in snowfall or rainfall, there is hope for some respite if snowfall occurs within the next month until February 15. Dr. Zaffar adds, “During that period, we can expect some chilling and meet water requirements.”
Experts also express concerns about early blooming of crops if the dry spell persists in the Kashmir Valley. Farmers, despite the dry weather, have already commenced planting seeds and saplings, raising worries about potential crop blooming issues.
In a region where planting typically occurs in March and April, the unabated dry weather poses significant challenges to agricultural activities. The economy, heavily dependent on apple production, faces risks of reduced quality and quantity due to the absence of a necessary chilling period.
“Our economy is dependent on apple production and for quality crop we need more chilling period and if somehow produce is less or affected it may have a direct impact on the economy also,” experts said.
Appropriate amount of snowfall is certainly a requisite for Kashmir valley in many aspects particularly if we relate it to environment, agriculture, horticulture, health etc.
Experts believe that the dry weather will adversely impact both the fauna and flora across the valley for which snowfall is essential. More importantly it is going to influence the agriculture sector as it may hamper most of the agricultural activities especially growing of the crops.
