Kashmir received the season’s first snowfall much earlier than usual, destroying many apple crops in the Shopian area of south Kashmir and leaving farmers in tears over their losses.
Though there was an advisory from the government and meteorological department ahead of the incessant rain and sudden snowfall, it takes at least two days to properly trim the trees and protect the budding fruit. About 50% of the trees had yet to be harvested. For some farmers it is even worse.
“We haven’t even harvested 20% of our apples. Most of the fruit is still on the trees. This untimely snowfall has ruined our livelihood,” laments Meharj Ahmad Mir, an apple grower from Memandar, Shopian.
Shopian district, located on the foothills of Pir Panjal mountain range, is known for its juicy apples.
In most of the places, the twigs and branches of trees have broken due to the weight of snow. In some orchards whole trees have been uprooted due to too early snowfall. At many orchards, even the piles of plucked fruit and packed apple boxes are covered by snow.
Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, Kashmir’s Director General – Horticulture, visited most of the affected areas, assessing the damage and assuring help to the apple growers.
Nasir Yousufi)
