(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- Chief Scientist of Sheri Kashmir University of Agriculture and Science Kashmir (SKUAST-K) Dr Rehana Rasool on Wednesday said the predicted wet spell from January 29 to February 5 is vital for the agricultural sector in the Valley.
Dr Rasool said,“If the wet spell occurs, it will help lower temperatures and ensure water reserves for May and June. It's a crucial factor in stabilizing the climate.”
ADVERTISEMENT
“The previous snowfall (in last week of December 2024), following months of drought, did not retain much moisture, making the current precipitation vital for the agricultural sector,” she said, adding,“The unusually warm temperatures recorded in Kashmir during the past few days in the crucial winter phase can lead to an early bloom, which may negatively impact the crop yield.”
ADVERTISEMENT
She said that a premature bloom could be detrimental.“If the early bloom continues and is followed by Western Disturbances in March, the drop in temperatures and excessive rainfall can cause petal shedding and hinder pollination, leading to reduced yields,” she added.
“Apple trees require adequate chilling hours, and if the temperatures remain high, their chilling requirement may not be met. This could result in poor blooming and lower production,” Dr Rasool said.
Read Also
Early Flower Bloom In Kashmir Signals Alarming Climate Trends
March In January
Pertinently, rising temperatures in Kashmir have led to stakeholders anticipating an early bloom of apples, almond, cherry, peach, and plum trees.
At present, no advisory has been issued by agricultural authorities, as farm operations are currently limited. However, farmers have been told to closely monitor temperature patterns and avoid pruning in freezing conditions.
Possible Economic Fallout
People associated with the apple industry are worried about the financial impact of these climatic changes.“Apple is the backbone of Kashmir's economy. If production is affected, it will severely impact the livelihood of thousands of orchardists,” Bashir Ahmad Bashir, president of the apex trade body in J&K said.
According to Bashir, the issue has been further aggravated by the absence of a functional crop insurance scheme. He stated that while the government has acknowledged the need for such an initiative,“but no concrete steps have been taken for its implementation,” he added.
“We had requested crop insurance, but it is yet to be rolled out effectively. Without it, orchardists are left vulnerable to losses due to climate variability,” he said.
2024 Driest Year In Five Decades
Notably, for the past five consecutive years, Jammu and Kashmir has received deficit rainfall, with 2024 being the driest year in the past 50 years.
Faizan Arif Keng, an independent weatherman who forecast weather in J&K, said that the year 2024 saw the lowest rainfall in five decades and touched close to the previous low of 802.5 mm recorded in 1974, marking the driest year in the past 50 years.
The monthly data for 2024 states that January recorded a staggering 91% shortfall, while February and March saw deficits of 17% and 16%, respectively.
The weatherman on Monday said that the series of Western Disturbances (WDs) would affect Jammu and Kashmir from January 29 onwards and light snowfall is expected at isolated places or scattered places till February 5.
Director of the Meteorological department (MeT), Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad said,“Fresh spell of light rain and snow is expected at scattered places during the 29th night and 30th morning & at isolated places during the 31st January.”
“The weather would remain generally cloudy on February 01 and 02 with the possibility of light rain and snow at widespread places during the period. Also, on February 4 and 5, there is a possibility of light rain and snow at scattered places,” he said. (KNO)
87% Rainfall Deficit In January
Amidst the forecast of wet spell for the next one week, Jammu and Kashmir continued to record the deficit rainfall in the month of January with details revealing that a deficiency of 87 per cent was recorded from January 01 to January 29.
As per the details available with the news agency-Kashmir News Observer (KNO), against the normal rainfall of 88.2 mm, the Union Territory has recorded a precipitation of just 11.5 mm only.
The highest deficiency of 98 per cent was recorded in Kathua during the period followed by 96 per cent in Shopian district in south Kashmir and 95 per cent in Doda.
The data further reveals that Jammu, Kishtwar and Reasi districts in Jammu division saw a deficiency of 94 per cent each in the first 29 days of this year-2025. Kulgam in south Kashmir has also recorded a deficit rainfall of 93 per cent during the period.
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir saw a deficit rainfall of 82 per cent.
Udhampur, Ramban and Samba stations have recorded a deficit precipitation of 90 per cent, 89 per cent and 86 per cent respectively.
Anantnag and Pulwama districts in South Kashmir have seen a deficiency of 85 per cent and 81 per cent respectively, the data revealed and added that Budgam, Bandipora and Baramulla have recorded a deficient rainfall of 83 per cent, 76 per cent and 73 per cent respectively. Pertinently, Jammu and Kashmir is expected to witness rains and snowfall for the next one week as the series of Western Disturbances according to the weatherman are affecting the Union Territory from this afternoon till February 05.
Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group : Join Now