Climate change drives weather swings, worries Kashmir apple farmers

Farmers fear that if the current weather conditions persist, it could lead to reduced yields this season. (File photo) | Photo Credit: NISSAR AHMAD

Erratic weather patterns linked to climate change have raised concerns among apple growers across Kashmir, with experts warning that fluctuations in temperature and prolonged rainfall could affect pollination and fruit set during a critical phase of the crop cycle.

According to meteorological observations, the Valley experienced an unusual warm spell from mid-February to mid-March, with temperatures ranging from 6°C to 11°C above the seasonal average. The unseasonal warmth triggered early bud break and flowering in many orchards, advancing the bloom cycle by 10 to 15 days.

Climate change impact

“The impact of climate change is no longer abstract; it is visible on the ground. We witnessed spring-like conditions as early as late February,” said an official from the Srinagar Meteorological Department.

However, a sudden shift in weather followed the warm spell, and persistent rainfall over the past week led to a drop in temperatures. This abrupt change has heightened anxiety among farmers, particularly as most orchards in the Valley’s apple belts are currently in the crucial flowering stage.

Data shows that Srinagar recorded maximum temperatures of 16.3 degrees Celsius on Saturday and 17.3 degrees Celsius on Sunday, both below normal for this time of year. In key apple-producing areas such as Shopian, temperatures remained below 15 degrees Celsius, raising concerns about the impact on pollination.

“The low temperatures, especially during the night, could lead to ovule death,” said Tariq Ahmad Mir, an apple grower from Shopian. An ovule is the part of the flower that develops into fruit after successful fertilisation, making it critical for fruit formation.

Experts say that pollination is highly sensitive to temperature variations. Dr Waseem, Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, said the drop in temperatures could significantly hinder pollination activity.

“Potential pollinators like bees remain inactive and stay in their hives when temperatures fall below 15 degrees Celsius,” he said. “This directly affects pollination and, consequently, fruit set.”

Farmers fear that if the current weather conditions persist, it could lead to reduced yields this season. Apple cultivation is a key pillar of Kashmir’s economy, and any disruption during the flowering stage can have a cascading impact on production and farmer incomes.

Experts have called for closer monitoring of weather patterns and adaptive strategies to mitigate the effects of climate variability, as growers increasingly face unpredictable conditions during critical phases of cultivation. 

Published on April 6, 2026