Apple belt faces crisis
The extended dry spell and the consequent depletion in soil moisture is threatening hopes of a good apple harvest. This has caused some alarm among the growers in Valley’s key horticultural districts—Shopian, Pulwama, Baramulla, Anantnag, and Kulgam.
The problem is not new, but it is becoming increasingly acute. Kashmir’s apple industry, which sustains lakhs of families and contributes significantly to the region’s gross domestic product, has in recent years faced a host of compounding challenges: climate change, declining returns, pest outbreaks, logistical hurdles, and now a persistent rainfall deficit. The most recent showers, while offering momentary relief, have done little to replenish parched soils, particularly those situated on the Karewas.
Farmers now fear the worst: a decline in fruit size, compromised quality, and reduced overall yield. The continued dry spell and resulting loss of soil moisture affects fruit development. It disrupts the growth cycle. This could lead to economic losses that farmers are ill-equipped to bear.
However, the government so far has not shown the necessary urgency. Although, there is still hope that the intermittent rains will replenish the land moisture and still salvage the fruit, the government has to be prepared for any potential decline in harvest. A considerable drop in apple production could hit orchardists, both in south and north Kashmir with devastating losses, both immediate and long term. This could deepen rural indebtedness.
The government must also look beyond the present crisis. With erratic weather patterns becoming more frequent - whether in the form of unseasonal rain, prolonged heatwaves, or early frosts - the Valley’s horticulture sector requires long-term adaptation strategies. These must include investments in climate-resilient rootstocks, crop insurance schemes that actually deliver, and more robust research linkages between universities and orchardists.
Apple production is one of the mainstays of Kashmir economy. According to an estimate, it forms 6.8 percent of Kashmir’s GDP and provides livelihood to around three million people. So anything that impacts it has consequences for a large section of population. So, while we hope that the weather changes favourably for the growth of the fruit, the government should also be ready with a plan to mitigate a possible drop in production.
