Practice of avoiding irrigation during Adir has no scientific base: Experts

Pulwama, June 24 : The 13-day period from June 21 to July 2, known locally as “Adir,” holds significant traditional value for the farming community in Kashmir.
During this time, which is marked by intense heat, the majority of farmers in the region avoid irrigating their agricultural lands.
Ghulam Hassan, a farmer from Wahibugh village in Pulwama, explained, “It’s a common practice we’ve been following for many years. Irrigating during this period can damage crops, especially vegetables like chillies and collard greens.”
This sentiment is shared by many farmers who also avoid spraying their orchards during Adir.
However, agricultural experts from the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K) have differing views on the practice.
Dr. Syed Shuja, a soil scientist at SKUAST-K’s Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Malangpora, stated that there is no scientific basis for this tradition.
“Plants actually need more water during this period due to soil dryness,” he explained. Dr. Shuja advised that irrigation should be done during the early morning or evening to avoid the potential damage caused by midday heat.
Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Bhat, a professor of genetics and plant breeding at SKUAST-K, echoed this sentiment. He noted that the earth’s surface remains particularly hot during the day in Adir, making early morning irrigation the most suitable to prevent root damage and potential fumigation caused by daytime watering.
Despite the lack of scientific support, some local experts recognize the practical observations behind the tradition. Dr. Shabir Ahmad, a pathologist at KVK, acknowledged that many farmers avoid irrigation during Adir to prevent damage to their crops. He noted, “There’s no issue with applying spray during this time, but I respect the belief as it aligns with observations of damage in vegetables when irrigation is done during this period.”
He, however, said that this practice has no concrete scientific validation.