KV Network

The changing weather patterns

The changing weather patterns
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Kashmir valley is witnessing an unprecedented change in the weather patterns this year. Though we are in the midsummer, the frequent downpour and the dip in temperatures during the major part of the week is creating lot of concern among the people here. Besides, the sudden change in weather pattern and major hailstorms with heavy downpour are wreaking havoc on the agriculture and other related activities in the state.
Reports are suggesting from across Kashmir that there has been massive crop loss to the fruit growers and agriculturists at a time when orchards were blooming with fresh crop and flowers.
In most parts of central Kashmirís Budgam and Ganderbal districts growers are complaining of damage to the entire harvest of apricots, peaches and cherries. Besides, the reports vis-‡-vis agriculture too are very disturbing at this point of time.
The heavy hail storms that are being reported across Kashmir during the month of June are proving dearly for various sectors including horticulture that is otherwise considered to be the backbone of our economy.
With severe rainfall and hailstorms being recorded in June bringing down the temperatures as well, the experts too are feeling concerned.
The plunging temperature and wet weather makes fruit bearing trees susceptible to diseases like scab and growers have to spend extra amount to spray fungicides and insecticides more frequently.
Fruit growers too are worried about the increased moisture in their orchards, which acts as a catalyst for fungal and parasitic diseases in trees, besides causing an explosion in pestsí numbers.
Fungal diseases explode in orchards in wet weather conditions due to the available moisture on leaves and trunks of apple trees for longer periods. Pests like hairy caterpillar ñ also called gypsy moth ñ grow better in rainy conditions. These pests devour leaves and other fleshy parts of the tree, destroying both the fruit and the plant.
This development decreases the yield and output which is also worrying the officials and growers as the decreased yield will mean less returns for the growers as it will have an overall negative impact on the economy of the state as well.
The bad weather patterns are also playing a spoilsport for the paddy cultivation as well.
The decrease in temperatures has led to a stunted growth in rice saplings which is delaying the sowing season and will also have an impact on the ripening and the output of the produce as well.
Notably, the months of May and June are crucial for paddy cultivation in Kashmir since rice saplings are transplanted from nurseries to the fields.
However, frequent rains and a dip in temperature has not only affected the sowing season but also hampered the normal growth of saplings in the nurseries.
The scenario is proving to be quite challenging for the entire state and the establishment should focus of providing ample and timely advice to the farming community so that the losses could be minimized. For this the agricultural experts too need to pitch in with their timely advice and suggestions.


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