Unusual rain, snow in parts of Kashmir cause distress among apple, cherry farmers

Srinagar: Unusual rain and snow in Kashmir this month have caused distress among apple, cherry and pear farmers who claimed that the sporadic change in weather would damage the flower buds in this spring season.

Kashmir received heavy showers and snowfall in several upper parts of the Valley in April. “The rainfall has created problems. It will damage the flower buds. We will get to know the exact extent of the damage in the upcoming weeks,” said Bilal Ahmed, a fruit grower in the Shopian district of the Valley.

Other farmers said they are worried because they couldn’t spray necessary fertilisers and other medicine on the trees, causing fungus formation on huge boroughs. Now that rains have stopped, the farmers have to try to save as much as they can.

“Many farmers couldn’t spray chemicals required at this time due to unusual rains. This is going to scab the flowers. It is a dangerous thing. Farmers will have to double up and try to spray as much as they can to save the trees quickly,” Mohammad Ashraf, an apple farmer in Shopian said.

While apple farmers are still hopeful to protect the trees at many places, the bloom wasn’t complete. However, cherry growers in the areas like Ganderbal are reporting major damages.

“Cherry crops in the upper areas of the Ganderbal region are damaged. We don’t know how the growers will be able to manage it. In addition, Kashmir since August 2019 has witnessed many lockdowns that impacted the economy,” Manzoor Ahmad, a cherry grower from Ganderbal, said.

Horticulture officials told India Today TV that the rains in April aren’t unusual in the Valley, however, its intensity and snowfall in some parts may create a problem for the crops.

“Sometimes the rains are beneficial but at times it is very bad for the crop. There have been reports in areas like Ganderbal, Shopian and Tangmarg. The pink bud on the tree is a sign of damage. I would request the growers to keep in touch with the officials of the department for advice. Also, use fertilisers on time. There is always a danger of fungus spread that can damage the crops. That is why it is important to use the right fertilisers,” Ajaz Ahmad, Director Horticulture Kashmir said.

After a relatively hot February, the month of March remained cold and rainy with intermittent precipitation across Jammu and Kashmir.

Besides, several snow spells in February, the Valley also witnessed an abrupt increase in maximum temperatures.

In April, Kashmir received unusual downpour and snow in a many parts. (India Today)