With J&Ok witnessing round 70% decline in rain and snowfall this winter, fruit growers and farmers are praying for heavy showers in coming weeks to compensate for the deficit, which in any other case may result in draught like conditions and badly influence the horticultutr trade.
Owing to world climatic phenomena like El Nino, the next climate modifications and fewer western disturbances this winter, J&Ok skilled a protracted dry spell amid harsh winter, with barely any precipitation because the starting of December. (File)
Kashmir, identified for its vibrant horticulture commerce and agricultural merchandise, apart from fruits of various varieties, greens and different merchandise, collectively with the horticulture and agriculture trade generate greater than ₹10k crore of income and supply employment to hundreds of locals.
“The low temperatures in winter and good snow and rainfall are very essential for orchards, especially those located on the higher reaches. This autumn and winter we witnessed draught like conditions, so things could be very difficult if this weather continues in Spring. It will have very devastating impact on entire fruit production,” stated Mohammad Maqbool, orchards proprietor in Baramulla’s Kandi. “We had one good rainfall earlier this week and there is predictions of two more spells in coming five to six days. The rains in plains and snow in upper reaches could save our orchards and help in regeneration of soil,” he stated.
One other fruit grower, Ghulam Qadir Lone stated, “We have been witnessing prolonged dryspell from past four to five years. This is very much affecting our fruit production. This time there has been minimal snow and rain during peak winter months. A spell of rain and snowfall across Kashmir earlier this week was a welcome step but we pray for four to five such spells till April that can recharge our orchards, water table especially the orchards located in the upper belts of Kashmir,” he stated.
After the service sector, horticulture and agriculture is the largest commerce in J&Ok.
Owing to world climatic phenomena like El Nino, the next climate modifications and fewer western disturbances this winter, J&Ok skilled a protracted dry spell amid harsh winter, with barely any precipitation because the starting of December. The J&Ok meteorological centre has stated that the Union Territory acquired 80 to 83 deficit in precipitation from January 1 until February 20.
Nonetheless, a Western Disturbance earlier this week lowered the deficit to some extent, however consultants say it was too little.
“As predicted, the deficit has decreased from over 83% to 72%. However, this does not change the bigger picture. The looming threat of climate change remains as urgent as ever. Strong policies addressing climate challenges and climate adaptation must be implemented without delay,” stated Faizan Arif climate professional.
Kashmir will get 70% of its precipitation by Western Disturbances – moisture-laden winds from the Mediterranean – with usually December, January and February as snow months and March and April (receiving above 100mm every) because the wettest rain months.