2024: A rollercoaster year for apple farmers
Shopian: Jan 1: The year 2024 was a year of mixed fortunes for the apple cultivators of Kashmir.
From climatic changes to low production to soaring prices, the apple cultivators witnessed a heady mix of challenges and benefits.
In 2024, during the 40-day long Chilai Kalan, the harshest leg of winter , the region witnessed a significant rise in temperatures. The unusually warm winter deprived apple orchards, especially in the plains, of the necessary chilling hours, leading to a decline in both quality and yield.
“An unprecedented rise in temperature during the last Chilai Kalan has a detrimental impact on the apple farms. In many areas, it caused premature flowering”, said Tariq Ahmad, an apple cultivator from Shopian.
The warmer winter was followed by an erratic weather pattern with the onset of spring. The low temperatures and frequent rains in April adversely impacted on the fruit set.
However, from May onwards, the Valley witnessed a long-drawn-out dry spell with most of the apple season, spanning April to September, remaining dry.
Jammu and Kashmir witnessed 35 percent rainfall deficit from June 1, 2024, to September 25, 2024, with apple-rich Shopian district experiencing 81 percent deficit. Against a normal precipitation of 542.7 mm, J&K recorded 352.7 mm.
These climatic changes led to a significant increase in pests like Leaf Miner, Green Aphid and Wooly Aphid.
“There were large incidences of these pests due to the warm climatic conditions,” said Ahmad.
However, the upside was the absence of scab outbreaks. According to apple farmers, 2024 might be remembered as almost a scab-free year.
The prolonged dry weather conditions also led to fruit drop, spurring many cultivators to irrigate their fields by pressing water pumps into service. Despite their efforts, it could not make up for the loss caused due to adverse weather conditions. It ultimately took a toll both on the quality and quantity of the fruit.
“The hot weather caused low juice content in fruit and led to apple scald”, said Mohammad Amir, an apple cultivator from Pulwama.
Mohammed Ashraf Wani, president Fruit Mandi Shopian said that the climatic changes impacted the yield at least by 20 percent.
He estimated the total production between 15 lakh to 16 lakh metric tons.
Despite facing numerous challenges, apple farmers managed to achieve significant profits: thanks to favorable market prices.
“Throughout the season, the prices largely remained stable and better,” said Ahmad.
For the apple farmers, the year 2024 was a mix of challenges and benefits for the farmers.
Reduced chilling hours impacted quality
High incidence of Leaf Miner, Green Aphid and Woolly Aphid
Increased cases of apple scald/ fruit drop due to dry weather
2024 saw no major scab outbreaks
J&K saw 35% rain deficit from June 1 to September 25.
Against a normal precipitation of 542.7 mm, J&K recorded 352.7 mm.
Around 20% dip in production
Stable prices
