Srinagar June 18: Frequent hailstorms and cloudbursts are increasingly threatening Kashmir’s horticulture sector, the backbone of the region’s economy that generates nearly Rs 15,000 crore annually.
Farmers across the Valley say extreme weather events have become more common over the past month, damaging orchards and raising concerns about the future of fruit cultivation in the region.
Apple, cherry, and apricot growers have reported significant losses as repeated spells of hail and intense rainfall battered orchards during the crucial fruit-growing season.
Many farmers say that while pests and diseases can be managed through pesticides and scientific interventions, there is little protection against the growing intensity of weather-related disasters.
“In the past, hailstorms were occasional, but now they seem to occur every few days. A storm lasting ten minutes can destroy months of hard work,” said Ghulam Ahmad, an apple grower from Shopian.
Another farmer, Bashir Ahmad from Kulgam, said repeated weather shocks have left growers anxious. “We invest heavily in fertilizers, sprays and labour throughout the year. When hail hits just before harvest, everything is lost. Farmers are living in fear,” he said.
The recent weather events have affected several horticulture belts across south, north and central Kashmir. Growers say damaged fruits often fetch lower prices in the market, resulting in substantial financial losses even when crops survive.
Experts believe changing climate patterns are contributing to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in the Himalayan region. Scientists have warned that rising temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns could make cloudbursts, intense rainfall and hailstorms more common in Kashmir.
“Horticulture supports lakhs of families directly and indirectly. If these weather extremes continue, the economic impact will be severe,” said a horticulture expert.
Farmers are demanding better crop insurance coverage, installation of anti-hail netting systems and timely compensation for weather-related losses. Many argue that existing insurance schemes do not adequately cover the damages suffered during extreme weather events.
“We don’t need compensation after every disaster. We need preventive measures and a long-term strategy to protect orchards from climate-related risks,” said Mohammad Yousuf, an apple grower from Sopore.
According to horticulture department figures, the sector contributes significantly to Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, with apples accounting for the largest share of fruit production. However, growers fear that recurring hailstorms and cloudbursts could undermine the sustainability of the sector if adequate adaptation measures are not introduced.
