Convener News Desk
Srinagar, Jan 20: A prolonged dry spell has triggered concern among apple growers across Kashmir, as lack of snowfall and unusually high winter temperatures threaten the region’s vital horticultural crop and the livelihoods dependent on it.
Apple orchards, which rely heavily on adequate winter chill and snow cover, now face risks of disrupted growth cycles due to changing weather patterns. Experts warn that higher-than-normal winter temperatures can prematurely break dormancy in apple trees, causing early bud break and increasing vulnerability to subsequent cold snaps or frost events.
Growers have expressed anxiety over the potential long-term impact on flowering and fruiting stages, which could translate into reduced yields and economic losses for the region, known for its apple production.
The Director of Horticulture Kashmir advised orchardists to maintain close coordination with Chief Horticulture Officers in their respective districts to receive technical guidance and support. He urged growers to avail themselves of various departmental schemes and interventions designed to safeguard orchards under current climatic conditions.
He also recommended that high-density apple orchards employ anti-hail nets to mitigate climatic stress. Owners of traditional orchards have been encouraged to approach the department to obtain anti-hail nets at a 50 percent subsidy, aimed at reducing potential damage caused by adverse weather.
The Horticulture Department reaffirmed its commitment to supporting farmers through technical assistance and timely interventions, stressing the importance of proactive measures to protect apple orchards and ensure sustained production amid growing weather uncertainties.
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