SRINAGAR: Fresh snowfall in the upper reaches and incessant rainfall have provided much-needed relief to thousands of farmers and fruit growers across Kashmir. The precipitation has ended a prolonged dry spell, raising hopes for a productive agricultural season ahead.
Experts had earlier warned that the extended dry weather, with little to no rain or snow, posed a serious threat to horticulture and agriculture. The lack of soil moisture was expected to negatively impact the quality and yield of crops, particularly apples, in the upcoming season. Additionally, the dry conditions had delayed the germination of Rabi crops, raising concerns about reduced production.
Experts explained that prolonged dry weather depletes soil moisture, affecting flowering and fruit-setting, which directly influences crop quantity and quality. However, the latest snowfall and rainfall have brought a sigh of relief to the region’s agricultural community.
Mohammad Maqbool, a fruit trader and expert from Shopian, highlighted the prolonged dry spell, stating, “We received very little rain or snow over the last six months. If this situation had continued, the horticulture and agriculture sectors would have suffered immensely.”
He further noted that most orchards in Kashmir rely on rainwater for irrigation, and the extended dryness had left them struggling for water. “With abundant snow in the higher reaches and rainfall in the plains, irrigation will no longer be a concern,” Maqbool added.
Farmers also pointed out that moisture deficiency had increased the risk of pest infestations, making fruit trees more vulnerable. However, the fresh precipitation has mitigated this threat, ensuring better prospects for the harvest season.
Abdul Rahman, a vegetable farmer from Qaimoh, Kulgam said, “We had almost lost hope, but the rain and snowfall have revived our fields. Now, we can expect a good harvest.”
Bashir Ahmad, an apple orchard owner from Shopian, stressed the importance of snowfall for ensuring a steady water supply in the summer months.
“Without water, farming is impossible. This snowfall will ensure that our streams and canals don’t dry up in summer. We were worried about a drought-like situation, but nature has finally come to our rescue,” he said.
Mohammad Yousuf, a vegetable farmer from Budgam, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “The dry spell had left our lands parched, and many crops were on the verge of wilting. Thankfully, this rain and snow have replenished the soil moisture, giving us hope for a better yield.”
Environmental expert Dr Rizwan explained that extended dry weather disrupts the natural irrigation cycle, leading to water scarcity and lower yields.
“Dry conditions also create an environment conducive to pests and diseases, further endangering orchards,” he said.
He noted that Rabi crops, such as mustard, had already shown signs of vulnerability due to insufficient precipitation, but the fresh spell of snow and rain is expected to mitigate the damage.
Farmers from Anantnag, such as Irshad Ahmad, linked snowfall to water availability for paddy cultivation.
“Most agricultural land in Kashmir, including apple orchards and saffron fields, is rain-fed. This recent precipitation has been a blessing for the entire valley,” he said.
An official from the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department said that many water sources were on the verge of drying up due to the prolonged dry spell.
“The rains and snow have revived hopes that these water sources, especially springs, will be recharged. This will ensure an uninterrupted water supply and improved power availability in the region,” he said.
According to the official, some springs have already shown signs of replenishment, while others are expected to recover soon. “All water supply schemes that had become defunct due to drying sources will be made functional again in the coming days,” he added.
Chief Agriculture Officer Anantnag, Aijaz Ahmad Dar, highlighted that three essential factors determine successful agriculture: seed, soil, and water. “Farmers were deeply worried due to the prolonged dry spell. They feared a drought-like situation, but now there is relief after the fresh spell of rain and snowfall in the higher reaches.”
He said that the water table has risen, and the recharge capacity has significantly improved.
“The probability of a drought-like situation, which was earlier around 70 per cent, has now dropped to just 15 per cent after the fresh precipitation,” Dar said, expressing hope that the weather will continue to remain favourable for farmers. (KNO)
