Kashmir’s apple economy under weather strain

Shopian / Kupwara, Jul 25: Erratic weather patterns in recent weeks have led to several diseases affecting apple crops across Kashmir's fruit belt.

According to growers and experts, unpredictable weather, characterised by intermittent rainfall, high humidity, and fluctuating temperatures, has triggered outbreaks of Alternaria and necrotic leaf blotch.

Alternaria, a fungal disease, targets the leaves of apple trees, initially causing small yellow spots on the surface. Over time, it can lead to defoliation and fruit damage.

Necrotic leaf blotch, a physiological disorder common in certain apple varieties, on the other hand, causes dark patches and premature leaf drop, weakening the tree and potentially affecting fruit development and quality.

“I have noticed black spots on apple leaves and some early fruit fall,” said Bashir Ahmad, an orchardist from Shopian. “The weather has been unpredictable – sunny one day, wet the next. We fear this may hit our yields hard if it continues.”

Tariq Ahmad Mir, a well-informed farmer from Shopian, said that orchards located in low-lying areas were more susceptible to both Alternaria and necrotic leaf blotch than those situated at higher altitudes.

“The high levels of moisture in low-lying areas could be one of the reasons for this,” he said.

Mir said that once the diseases break out, they become difficult to control.

“They affect not only the colour and size of the fruit but also impact bud formation for the next season,” he said.

Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Waseem Dar, said that the diseases had affected around 30 percent of farms in the area.

According to him, fluctuating temperatures are the primary driver behind the outbreak. “Both Alternaria and necrotic leaf blotch are more prevalent in traditional apple farms where the crop canopy is dense,” Dar said.

He said that trees lacking summer pruning provide a favourable microclimate for the spread of disease. Dar said zinc-based fungicides could help contain the infections.

Several apple orchards in north Kashmir’s Handwara, Langate, and other adjoining areas have also come under the grip of a sudden and mysterious disease, causing serious concerns among hundreds of farmers associated with the horticulture sector. The disease, which broke out some 10 days ago, has caused leaves to turn yellow and fall prematurely, thereby directly affecting the apple crop.

The farmers said that following the outbreak of the disease, they sprayed various medicines to combat the disease, but the situation had been getting from bad to worse with each passing day. The farmers have urged the Horticulture Department to intervene, keeping in view the growing severity of the issue. “This is not a small issue. After all, it is the livelihood of hundreds of families, and if the concerned departments fail to take tangible and concrete steps swiftly, the damage could be irreversible,” Sajad Abdullah, a local from Yaroo, Langate, said.

“Apple farming is the backbone of north Kashmir, and if at all this crop is damaged, it will badly impact the economy of the region,” he added.

Former chairman of the Block Development Council (BDC), Langate, Showkat Pandit, said that without timely intervention, not only would this year’s crop be ruined, but the production of next season could also be affected.

He said that this could further worsen the financial condition of thousands of families across north Kashmir dependent on apple farming. Pandit urged the Horticulture Department to immediately send expert teams to assess the situation and suggest effective measures. “This is not a minor issue. It needs urgent attention from the authorities before the damage becomes irreversible,” he said. Pandit demanded the activation of crop insurance and compensation for affected orchardists, many of whom have taken loans. “The farmers are staring at huge losses. Without government help, they will be pushed into a financial crisis,” he said. The affected apple growers have appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Horticulture Minister to take urgent notice of the situation and ensure immediate action. Chief Horticulture Officer (CHO) Kupwara, Satvir Singh, told  that he had written to all HDOs to submit a report within a day and decide on the future course of action.