Srinagar, Mar 27: Farmers in Kashmir valley are worried about the early blooming of apple trees, which is an unusual phenomenon that experts attribute to global warming and fluctuating temperatures. Despite intermittent rainfall, the rising temperatures in March have concerned orchardists and environmentalists in the valley.
According to Dr. Tariq Rasool, Associate Professor of Plant Pathology at SKUAST-K, proper temperatures are required for fertilization or pollination. When temperatures decrease or it rains, it affects pollination and flowering. Last year, Kashmir witnessed a dry and hot March, and this year the bloom has come out very early. Dr. Tariq stated that there is no normal weather in Kashmir due to climate change and fluctuating temperatures over the past several years.
Dr. Tariq suggests that the government and SKUAST-K should issue weather-based advisories and decision support systems for the management of diseases, pests, and all agricultural and nutrient management. The climate change and fluctuating temperatures will have a definite impact on the horticulture industry. Generally, crop failures happen in Kashmir orchards due to bad or adverse weather conditions. When there is bloom and all of a sudden there is a decrease in temperature and rains occur, there are chances of crop failure.
Abdul Quds Beigh, Horticulture Development Officer of the Horticulture Department Kashmir, said that the early blooming of flowers has left farmers and apple growers concerned. He suggested that farmers change the spray schedule according to the dip in temperature and the stage of growth in their orchards. When the temperature dips, there would be less pollination in apple trees.
Director of the Indian Meteorological Centre Kashmir, Sonam Lotus, stated that this year has been warmer and witnessed a rise in temperature as compared to previous years, especially in February and March. He attributed the reason for the warm winter to less frequency of western disturbances, adding that the temperature is fluctuating. In previous years, J&K would witness good snow in February and March, but this year that did not happen. This year, the valley is witnessing an early spring.
