Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Mar 16: The almond growers in various areas of South Kashmir’s Pulwama fear losses due to the unfavorable weather conditions prevailing this season and winter last year.
The growers have informed that during the ongoing blooming season of the almond trees, they are experiencing fewer flower blooms, which, they said, point to possible lower production this year.
“As of now, the bloom is 90 percent less than what we used to have at this point in time; the existing bloom appears weak and does not stay on the tree; it simply falls off, which is worrisome,” said Muhammad Sultan Bhat from Payar, Pulwama.
When asked about possible reasons, he stated that the unfavorable weather conditions, particularly the rise in temperature last year (winter) and during the spring season this year, have led to the destruction in the form of fewer blooms, pointing to losses.
“The change in weather has destroyed everything, and the damage is immense; we are not even sure if we will be able to retrieve the expenses incurred so far; we are facing losses, and there is no hope of anything this year,” he said.
It is to be noted here that apart from Payar, there are several other areas in the district that solely depend on almond cultivation, including Chandgam, Tahab, Koil, Wahibugh, Guusoo, Newa, Parigam, Zadoora, Rahmoo, Panzgam, and Chakoora.
The growers said that the concerned department is not concerned about almonds, and the officers of the concerned wings have not reached out to them, not even now and not at the time when the uneven weather events were occurring.
“For apples, they have been taking the necessary steps time and again, but when it comes to almond cultivation, they are hardly concerned about it.”
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