Dry winter, early blooms put Kashmir's orchards and farmers at risk 

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These conditions have triggered early flowering in orchards across the valley. Scientists and officials warn that if heavy rain hits during the blooming period now, the harvest could fail, threatening the livelihoods of more than seven lakh families who depend on agriculture and horticulture for their income.

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Considering this, the Department of Agriculture, Kashmir, and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) have advised farmers in areas with weak irrigation to avoid water-intensive crops such as paddy and vegetables this season.

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Dr. Ashaq Pandit, Professor and Head of Fruit Science at SKUAST-K, said the warm weather pushed the season forward by nearly 20 days. He said the next phase will be crucial for fruit production. “If temperatures fall or rainfall occurs during the flowering stage, pollen may wash away, and flowers can abort. That means fewer fruits later,” he said.

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Ajaz Rasool, an environmental researcher based in Kashmir, said the early bloom reflects wider climate changes across the Valley. Rasool said weather conditions in the coming weeks could determine how much fruit orchards produce this year. “If rain is heavy, the flowers may fall prematurely, and fruit production could decline,” he said.