Timely Showers, Fresh Hopes South Kashmir apple growers cheer as rain breaks heatwave

Shopian, May 31: A much-needed spell of rain across south Kashmir has brought renewed optimism to apple growers, who had been grappling with an unusually hot and dry May.

The downpour, which began late Friday night and continued into Saturday, was accompanied by a drop in temperatures and even fresh snowfall over the higher reaches of Pir Ki Gali.

For thousands of apple farmers in Shopian, Pulwama, Kulgam, and Anantnag, the rain has come at a critical time. It has not only revived soil moisture but is also expected to improve fruit growth and protect orchards from pest attacks and sunburn.

“This rain is a blessing,” said Tariq Ahmad Mir, an apple cultivator from Shopian. “The weather had been too dry for this stage of the crop. The rainfall will aid healthy growth and help control pests naturally.”

Kashmir produces over 70 percent of India’s apples, with an annual yield of around 22 lakh metric tonnes. The apple industry, considered the backbone of the region’s economy, sustains more than 3.5 lakh families. In Shopian district alone, over 80 percent of residents depend on apple cultivation for their livelihood.

Ishtiyaq Ahmad, an orchardist from Pulwama, noted the toll that last year’s heat had taken on the crop. “Last season, the extreme heat caused sunburn and lowered the quality of fruit. This timely rain will help not only with fruit development but also reduce the chances of premature fruit drop. We’re now hopeful for a much better crop,” he said.

The rainfall also capped off a dry spell that had been alarming for farmers. From June to late September last year, Kashmir saw a 35 percent rainfall deficit, with Shopian registering an 81 percent shortfall. According to official data, the Union Territory received only 352.7 mm of rainfall compared to the normal 542.7 mm.

This year’s start hadn’t been much better, with hailstorms over the past two months damaging orchards in parts of Shopian, Pulwama, and Kulgam. However, the latest rains have helped revive optimism among growers.

“The soil moisture has improved, and the orchards look revived. If the weather holds up over the next few weeks, this could be one of the better seasons,” said another grower from Kulgam.