Srinagar: Snowfall during the winter season holds immense importance for the Kashmir region, as it plays a crucial role in irrigating both agriculture and horticulture crops, according to experts.
Nevertheless, the absence of significant snowfall in the plains so far has raised concerns among the farmers in the Valley. The Meteorological (MeT) office has not given any hope of rain/snow in the plains in the coming days although some precipitation could occur in higher reaches.
Unless it snows sufficiently during the ‘Chillai Kalan’ perennial water reservoirs in the mountains do not get replenished to sustain water in Kashmir’s lakes, streams, rivers and springs during the summer months.
Snowfall is crucial for Kashmir in various aspects, including agriculture, as it contributes to the region’s water resources. The snowfall in the valley plays a vital role in agriculture, particularly in providing water for irrigation during the dry months.
The wet spell in Kashmir is typically a significant draw for tourists due to the region’s picturesque landscapes. However, despite the attraction, it seems that tourists expressed dissatisfaction. It’s important to note that while snowfall can enhance the scenic beauty, excessive snow or related issues might impact travel experiences.
The snow that accumulates in the winter acts as a natural reservoir, gradually melting in spring and early summer, ensuring a steady supply of water for crops.
This process is essential for the cultivation of various crops, including apples, saffron, and other fruits and vegetables that contribute significantly to the region’s economy. Farmers in Kashmir rely on the timing and quantity of snowfall to meet the water needs of their crops.
A lack of sufficient snowfall can lead to water shortages during crucial growing periods, potentially impacting crop yields. On the other hand, excessive snowfall can pose challenges, such as delayed access to fields and the risk of snow-related damage to crops.
The role of snow in Kashmir extends beyond its aesthetic appeal to tourists; it plays a critical role in sustaining the agricultural livelihoods of the region.
Renowned glaciologist, climate change researcher, and earth scientist, Professor Shakil A Romshoo, told Kashmir News Observer that winter snowfall provides essential water for crops and contributes significantly to the region’s water security when it melts during spring and summer.
“Our research findings have confirmed a strong positive correlation between the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and winter precipitation in the Kashmir region. In months where the NAO index is greater than 1 (positive), the subtropical jet is significantly more intense than in months where the NAO index is less than 1 (negative). Positive NAO leads to more active western disturbances (WDs) that bring the majority of winter precipitation to the Kashmir region”, he explained.
“However, we had a negative NAO during December 2023 and a strongly negative NAO is predicted for January 2024, which could easily be one of the top four most negative NAOs of the past 25 years, leading to very low snowfall during December and January months this winter,” he added.
Romshoo expressed concern about potential water shortages during the summer due to less-than-normal snowfall, impacting the water-intensive paddy culture in Kashmir. While it is too early to predict snowfall/rainfall for February, March, and April, which are typically wet months, he remains hopeful for sufficient precipitation during this period.
Dr Suhaib A Bandh, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at S P College Srinagar, speaking with the news agency, highlighted that prolonged dry weather adversely affects orchards and fruit crops in Kashmir, posing substantial challenges to agricultural productivity.
“Dry spells disrupt natural irrigation patterns, reduce water availability for crops, and create conditions favourable for pests and diseases, impacting fruit trees’ growth and development,” he said.
Dr Bandh said there is a need for strategic water management practices, drought-resistant crop varieties, and adaptive agricultural techniques to mitigate the impact of prolonged dry weather on Kashmir’s vital fruit crops.
Dr Tariq Rasool, a senior scientist at SKAUST, acknowledged the uncertainty in predicting the impact of the current period on next year’s farming. While there may be enough precipitation in the remaining winter days, a prolonged dry winter could potentially lead to fruit quality issues next year, he said.
“If the whole winter turns dry, there are likely chances of fruit quality issues next year depending on various other factors,” Dr Tariq was quoted as saying.
