Fruit growers in Kashmir are facing challenges due to erratic weather conditions, affecting the horticulture sector, which sustains approximately 60% of the region's population. According to recent reports, the unpredictable climate is leading to a proliferation of diseases in orchards, potentially diminishing fruit quality and yield.
One local grower, highlighted the direct correlation between adverse weather and the emergence of diseases, as well as its detrimental impact on fruit quality. Similarly, Sameer Ahmad recounted the previous year's low fruit set attributed to comparable climatic irregularities, resulting in significant losses for growers. The sector's vulnerability to various factors, including climate change, has been a recurring concern, with growers advocating for the implementation of a crop insurance scheme to mitigate annual losses.
Bashir Ahmad Basheer, Chairman of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers and Dealers Union, reported a substantial reduction in fruit production and quality last year due to these conditions. He emphasized the necessity of government intervention in establishing crop insurance schemes to provide a safety net for growers against the unpredictability of weather patterns and other impacting factors.
Source: roshankashmir.net