"Prolonged Dry Spell Threatens Kashmir Fruit Growers with Potential Losses as Experts Warn of Early Flowering Impacting Yield and Quality"

 

Prolonged dry spells in Kashmir are casting a shadow over the livelihoods of fruit growers, who now face potential losses as experts warn of early flowering impacting fruit quality and quantity. The absence of rainfall or snowfall, even in January, has raised concerns among farmers in the valley, with experts cautioning about the detrimental effects on soil moisture, particularly for apple orchards, in the upcoming season.

Prof Khalid Mushtaq, the Head of the Division of Fruit Sciences at SKUAST Srinagar, acknowledged the current safety of the situation, expressing hope for the best. However, he cautioned that if the dryness persists into February and temperatures rise significantly, early flowering could occur, adversely affecting fruit set and ultimately impacting yield. Dr. Mushtaq advised against pruning during such weather conditions, emphasizing its potential to negatively impact the trees.

Scientist Akhtar Malik from Kashmir University's Department of Botany underscored the impact of insufficient chilling periods on bud production and flowering in trees. He explained that a rise in February temperatures leading to premature bud and flower sprouting, followed by rain or snow, could result in flower drop due to inadequate pollination, thereby affecting fruit production.

The continuous dryness also raises concerns about the water table decline, affecting irrigation in rainfed orchards and potentially impacting fruit quality, according to Malik. Experts further noted that the dry spell heightens worries about frost damage to new fruit plantations, particularly in the lower and upper hills, where tissues of younger plants are susceptible to freezing in frost incidents. The lack of moisture also increases the vulnerability of fruit trees to pest attacks.

Fruit growers across Kashmir are expressing deep concern and anxiety over potential losses due to the extended dry spell. They fear the early sprouting of flowers may be followed by erratic spring weather, causing flower fall and reducing both the quantity and quality of the fruit.

Since October of the previous year, Kashmir has experienced deficient rainfall. Last week, Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, recorded a temperature of 15 degrees Celsius after more than a decade, reminiscent of the conditions observed in 2010 when the mercury reached 15.8 degrees Celsius in the city. The unusual weather patterns continue to pose challenges to the agricultural landscape, leaving fruit growers apprehensive about the impending impact on their harvests.