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Kashmir's 96% Rain Deficit Sparks Fears for Fruit Crops and Water Crisis

Jammu and Kashmir recorded an alarming 96 percent rainfall deficit in the first half of January, according to the Meteorological Department. This deficit risks causing an early bloom in fruit trees that will not survive subsequent cold, spelling disaster for the region's crucial horticulture sector. With the harsh Chillai Kalan period ending January 30, a lack of snow threatens severe summer water shortages for drinking and irrigation. Hopes are now pinned on a forecasted Western Disturbation expected to bring snow between January 22 and 24.

Key Points: J&K Records 96% Less Rain, Temperatures Plummet in January

  • 96% rain deficit in J&K's first fortnight of January
  • Early fruit tree bloom threatens horticulture
  • Chillai Kalan ends Jan 30, water scarcity looms
  • Western Disturbance may bring snow Jan 22-24
2 min read

Night temperature drops across Valley as J&K records 96 pc less rainfall in January

J&K faces a 96% rainfall deficit in January, threatening early fruit tree blooms and a severe summer water crisis. Temperatures drop below zero.

"Early bloom in fruit trees spells disaster for fruit growers in the Valley - Meteorological Department officials"

Srinagar, Jan 18

Minimum temperature again slipped several notches below zero in the Valley on Sunday as Jammu and Kashmir faced a 96 per cent rain deficit in the first fortnight of January, the Meteorological Department said.

Meteorological Department officials said that during the first fortnight of this month, Jammu and Kashmir recorded a 96 per cent rain deficit, which is alarming because there is a probability of early bloom in trees that will not mature into fruit due to the low temperatures in February and March.

Early bloom in fruit trees spells disaster for fruit growers in the Valley, and if there is no imminent rain or snow, the agriculture and horticulture sectors will be the worst affected in recent years.

Contrary to common belief, horticulture, and not tourism, is the mainstay of Kashmir's economy.

The 40-day-long period of harsh winter cold called the 'Chillai Kalan' will end on January 30, and unless a major snowfall occurs in Jammu and Kashmir, summer is going to be difficult because of water scarcity for drinking purposes, agricultural and horticultural irrigation.

The Meteorological Department has forecast snowfall in the higher reaches and also the plains of the Valley between January 22 and 24.

"A Western Disturbance will be active over J&K between January 22 and January 24. This is expected to bring rain/snow in Jammu and Kashmir, and the plains of the Valley are likely to get their first snowfall of this season," the Meteorological Department officials said.

So far, there has been no major snowfall in the Valley as Srinagar city and other plains are yet to receive this season's first snowfall.

All hopes of locals are now pinned on this forecast.

Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 4.7 degrees Celsius, Gulmarg minus 5.6 degrees Celsius, and Pahalgam minus 6 degrees Celsius.

Jammu city registered a minimum temperature of 5.5 degrees Celsius, Katra town 6.6 degrees Celsius, Batote 3.7 degrees Celsius, Banihal minus 2.4 degrees Celsius and Bhaderwah minus one degree Celsius.

The maximum temperature was 20.1 degrees Celsius in Jammu and 11.2 degrees Celsius in Srinagar on Saturday.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
People always talk about Kashmir's beauty, but few realize horticulture is the real economic backbone. A 96% rain deficit is catastrophic. This will impact fruit supply and prices across India later this year.
R
Rohit P
Minus 6 in Pahalgam! 🥶 That's seriously cold. But the bigger issue is water scarcity for the summer. No snow now means no meltwater later for drinking and irrigation. The Met department forecast for 22-24 Jan is our only hope.
S
Sarah B
While the immediate focus is on the forecasted snow, we must have a longer-term conversation about climate resilience for farmers. Are there enough support systems or crop insurance schemes in place for such weather shocks?
V
Vikram M
Chillai Kalan ending on 30th without major snowfall is a bad sign. Snow isn't just for tourists; it's a vital water reservoir. The temperature contrast between Jammu (20°C) and Srinagar (11°C) max also shows how varied the climate is in J&K.
K
Kavya N
My heart goes out to all the families depending on orchards. It's a waiting game now. Let's hope the forecast is accurate. The article rightly says all local hopes are pinned on it.

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