Mubashir Aalam Wani
Srinagar, Aug 13: With Kashmir witnessing a prolonged dry spell this summer, the vegetable production of the valley has been hot drastically.
Farmers from north to south Kashmir claim about the pest infestation to the varieties of the vegetables, which brought down the production of local vegetables to manifold.
The lack of sufficient rainfall has hit farmers hard, leading to a sharp decline in the yield of various vegetables, including the region’s staple.
Farmers across Kashmir are reporting stunted growth and reduced harvests, attributing the situation to the extended dry spell that has gripped the region. The shortage of water has not only affected the quantity but also the quality of the produce, with many crops failing to reach their usual size and taste standards.
From Haakh (collard green) to Chilies, Brinjals and Tomatoes, vegetables have been affected by the pests.
“The vegetables didn’t get abundant rain during the crucial period following which it was attacked by pests. Haakh which is the native and most consumed vegetables has suffered the most. Similarly, chilies, brinjals and tomatoes too have been impacted to a large extent,” said Shakeel Ahmad Khan, a grower said.
This has led to rising prices in local markets, making it difficult for many families to afford these traditional vegetables.
While Haakh costs Rs 70 Kilogram, prices of tomatoes too have shot up by more than 30 per cent this summer.
Bashir Ahmad Bashir, president Parimpora Fruit Mandi said various varieties of vegetables have suffered due to the dry weather which has resulted in reduced supply of vegetables to Mandi.
“This year the local supply is not satisfactory. Though some areas have not suffered any damage to vegetables but majority of the vegetable producing areas have actually faced the brunt of prolonged dry weather. Taking an example of Haakh, there is a dip of nearly 70 per cent in the production and supply,” he said.
Farmers are expressing growing concern over the situation, as the dry season shows no signs of abating. Many have been forced to rely on limited irrigation resources, which are quickly being depleted, leaving little hope for recovery in the near term.
