Kashmir Unusual Dry Winter Raises Concerns for Apple Growers

Kashmir Unusual Dry Winter Raises Concerns for Apple Growers

Asif Iqbal | January 7, 2024 | 06:00 PM IST | Kashmir | Follow on Google News

Kashmir Unusual Dry Winter Raises Concerns for Apple Growers.image/KL

Kashmir Unusual Dry Winter Raises Concerns for Apple Growers

In the heart of Kashmir’s peak winter season, Ghulam Nabi Khan, a 55-year-old orchard owner from Baramulla, is facing an unusual challenge. Despite the typical expectation of heavy snowfall, the region has been experiencing a prolonged dry spell since November. This has left Khan contemplating the urgent need to irrigate his orchards to ensure the well-being of his apple trees.

The absence of customary snowfall and the extended dry conditions are causing concern among farmers in Kashmir, who heavily depend on winter weather for successful apple cultivation. The President of the North Kashmir Apple Growers Association expressed his worry about the potential adverse effects of the current snowless period on orchards. He stressed the critical importance of the next 15 days for farmers, as the absence of snow during this period could significantly impact the health of apple trees and the quality of the fruits.

Winter is a crucial time for orchards as the snowfall helps the soil retain moisture, essential for the well-being of apple trees and the development of high-quality fruits. The lack of substantial rainfall in Kashmir during the summer months makes snowfall during winter even more vital for proper irrigation during the warmer seasons.

The President highlighted that the quality of the fruit deteriorates when there is insufficient or no snowfall. Last December recorded a significant 79 percent deficit in rainfall, intensifying concerns about the impact on apple orchards.

Irshad Ahmad Bhat, an expert in the field, raised additional concerns about the prolonged dry spell making apple trees more susceptible to diseases. The absence of snow in winter increases the risk of pests and diseases affecting the orchards, necessitating vigilant monitoring and management.

As Kashmir contends with this unusual and prolonged dry winter, apple growers in the region voice growing apprehensions about its potential impact on their orchards and the overall success of apple cultivation.

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Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.