Season’s first snowfall lifts spirits of south Kashmir apple farmers

Shopian, Dec 12: Marking the end of a prolonged dry spell, the season’s first snowfall in south Kashmir plains brought smiles to the faces of apple farmers in the apple-rich Shopian and Pulwama districts.

On Thursday morning, the plains of the twin south Kashmir districts were draped in a thin layer of snow while the high-altitude areas received a modest snowfall.

Several apple-rich areas of the Shopian district including Kellar, Heerpora, Sedow, Saidpora, and Zawoora recorded a snowfall of 5 to 6 inches while a thin film of snow enveloped the district headquarters, which vanished as the day progressed.

Similarly, the high altitudes of Pulwama including Sangarwani, Abhama, and Achgoza recorded a snowfall of 3 to 5 inches.

President Fruit Mandi Shopian, Muhammad Ashraf Wani told Greater Kashmir that although light, the snowfall broke the protracted dry spell.

“The farmers, particularly in the upper reaches, got relief from an extended dry spell,” he said.

Pesticides Association Shopian President and prominent apple cultivator, Peer Shabir said that they were looking forward to a good snowfall.

“The present spell at least brought relief from the dry spell,” he said.

The apple cultivators from Pulwama district also expressed joy over the snowfall.

Yawar Rashid, a young apple cultivator from Abhama village, said that the snowfall was much needed at this time.

The farmers were grappling with protracted dry spells throughout the year.

During the previous apple season, the long-drawn-out dry weather conditions took a toll on the quality of apples.

The dry spell not only enhanced incidences of pest manifestations but also reduced the storage capacity of the fruit.

The official data suggests that Jammu and Kashmir experienced a 35 percent rainfall deficit between June 1, 2024, and September 25, 2024, with the Shopian district recording an 81 percent deficit.

“We hope our apple orchards receive an adequate number of chilling hours this year,” Yawar said: