Defunct irrigation scheme in Shopian leaves apple orchards parched amid prolonged dry spell

Shopian, Jul 13: A defunct lift irrigation scheme in the Moshwara area of south Kashmir’s Shopian district has left hundreds of farmers struggling with a severe irrigation crisis amid a prolonged dry spell, threatening their key apple crop.

The irrigation lift, meant to draw water from nearby sources to the elevated Karewa plateau where most of the orchards are located, has been lying non-functional for months, residents and orchardists say. “This is the peak season when our orchards need regular water. Without irrigation, the trees are wilting, and we fear massive crop loss,” said Bashir Ahmad, an apple grower from Moshwara.

The Moshwara Karewa—an elevated tableland known for apple cultivation—relies heavily on low rainfall. However, this year, a protracted dry spell has left the farmers distressed.

According to farmers, work on a water lift irrigation scheme was started in 2010 and was almost complete in next four years. “However, since then it has never been made functional”, said another farmer. He said that they were clueless about the scheme’s non-functioning.

“I don't understand why the government spent crores on the scheme if they couldn't ensure its proper functioning.”, said the farmer. Like many others in the area, he is struggling to keep his orchard alive amid an extended dry spell. The farmers appealed to the authorities to make the scheme functional forthwith.