Falak Bilal
Srinagar, Feb 26: Almond trees across the Kashmir Valley have begun flowering weeks ahead of their usual schedule, sparking concern among farmers and experts over shifting weather patterns and their impact on horticulture.
Traditionally, almond blossoms appear in April after a prolonged winter chill. However, this year, delicate pink and white flowers have emerged as early as February, transforming orchards and landscapes across Srinagar and other parts of the Valley into scenes of early spring.
While the bloom has added to the region’s scenic beauty, it has also triggered anxiety among growers who fear potential losses if adverse weather conditions return. Almond blossoms are highly sensitive, and even light winds, frost, or unseasonal rainfall can cause significant damage.
Experts attribute the early flowering to an unusually mild winter. The core winter period, including Chillai Kalan and Chillai Khurd, witnessed below-normal snowfall and fewer chilling hours—conditions crucial for the proper dormancy and blooming cycle of fruit trees.
“This year, we observed significantly fewer chilling hours due to a warmer winter. As a result, the almond trees have bloomed earlier than usual,” said an expert.
He added, “The concern now is that if there is any untimely frost, rainfall, or hailstorm, the blossoms could be severely affected, leading to reduced yields.”
The early bloom has also raised concerns about an increase in pest activity, as warmer conditions tend to accelerate pest development, posing additional risks to the crop.
Agriculture experts warn that such irregular patterns are becoming more frequent and may have long-term implications for horticulture in the region. Changes in crop cycles not only affect productivity but also disrupt planning and livelihoods dependent on farming.
As temperatures continue to rise and the season progresses, farmers remain watchful, hoping that stable weather conditions will prevail in the coming weeks to safeguard the delicate
