A spell of fresh snowfall in parts of Kashmir on Monday has heightened fears among the apple farmers that the production this year might be affected. 

Reports of fresh snowfall were received from the upper reaches of Gulmarg, Qazigund, Bandipora, Gurez, Kupwara and Pir Panjal range in south Kashmir. 

A video which went viral on social media such as Twitter and Facebook showed a distressed man narrating with a sad voice the ordeal faced by his orchard which was covered under a blanket of snow. 

The narrator, hailing from Qazigund, says that the untimely snow has led to the falling of fruitlets and the production this year was going to get affected, suggesting that the untimely snow was a result of climate change.

Snowfall in spring or early summer can cause damage to apple trees, especially if they are in full bloom. The weight of the snow can break branches or damage the buds, which can lead to reduced fruit production or even the death of the tree, according to experts.

Untimely snow can also increase the risk of disease. Snow that falls during bloom time can also increase the risk of disease, as the moisture can lead to fungal growth and disease spread. This can impact the health of the tree and reduce fruit production.

If the snow persists for too long, it can delay the growth and development of the apple trees, reducing the amount of time they have to produce fruit.

Fairly widespread light to moderate rains lashed plains of Jammu and Kashmir while upper reaches received a fresh spell of snowfall unleashing cold conditions all across, officials said.

The Meteorological Department said that it was still raining at many places in Jammu and Kashmir since last evening and the weather was cloudy in Ladakh.

It said that today's weather is going to be rainy, cloudy and cold in J&K. The weather will significantly improve very likely from tomorrow, May 9. However, there are likely to be thunderstorms in the late afternoon or evening at some places tomorrow also. 

The weather is very likely to remain dry and there will be a rise in temperature from May 10-15, the MeT office said.

The weather man has also advised farmers to postpone spraying of orchards & harvesting of crops till May 8. Tourists have been asked to wear warm clothes as the weather is likely to be colder today.

It has also advised people to check road status of Srinagar-Jammu and Srinagar Ladakh highway before embarking on journey from traffic police amid inclement weather conditions today.

Source - http://brighterkashmir.com