Peerzada Ummer
Srinagar, Jul 18: After weeks of relentless heat and parched landscapes, the orchards and fields of Kashmir have finally received much-needed rainfall, bringing immense relief to thousands of apple growers and paddy farmers across the region.
Just a couple of weeks ago, Kashmir was grappling with soaring temperatures and dry spells that left the land cracked and the faces of farmers withered in worry. The absence of rain posed a serious threat to the region’s famed apple orchards and paddy fields, with growers concerned about stunted fruit size, reduced quality, and poor yields—especially for early and high-density apple varieties that are particularly sensitive to moisture stress.
“Every drop of rain felt like a blessing,” said Ishfaq Ahmad Malik, an apple farmer from the Shopian district, one of south Kashmir’s major apple-producing areas.
Malik said the recent showers not only revived withering crops but also lifted the spirits of the farming community. “Nature has been kind to us,” he added.
The rainfall over the past few days has ended the prolonged drought, rejuvenating orchards and fields. Farmers like Rafiq Ahmad Khan from Zainapora said the persistent heatwave had caused sunburnt apples with reduced juice content, resulting in crop losses and diminished returns. “The timely rains have brought great relief to both apple and paddy farmers,” Khan told KNO, recalling how paddy fields had developed deep cracks due to the lack of water.
The impact of the drought was widespread, with water levels in Kashmir’s major rivers and streams, including the Jhelum—often called the region’s lifeline—dropping to alarming lows. At several locations, the river level was reported to be only knee-deep. Shabir Ahmed, another local farmer, said, “The rain has refilled many drains and rivers, reviving our hope.”
Rain-fed farms, which lack irrigation infrastructure and depend entirely on natural rainfall, were among the worst affected during the drought. “The soil had become friable and we had almost given up hope,” Shabir said. The recent rains, he added, arrived just in time to save apple, paddy, and vegetable crops from potential damage.
Official data confirms a marked improvement in water levels across the region’s rivers and tributaries. As of July 17, the Jhelum was flowing at 9.50 feet at Sangam (flood mark: 21 feet), 1.55 metres at Pampore (flood mark: 4.5 metres), 9.57 feet at Munshi Bagh (flood mark: 18 feet), 5.33 feet at Asham (flood mark: 14 feet), and 1575.08 metres at Wular Lake (full level: 1578.00 metres). Tributaries have also seen a rise but remain below danger levels, with Visho Nallah at Khudwani at 5.36 metres (flood mark: 7.75 metres), Rambiara Nallah at Wachi at 0.40 metres (flood mark: 5.4 metres), Lidder Nallah at Batkot at 0.67 metres (flood mark: 1.5 metres), and Sindh Nallah at Dodarhama at 1.84 metres (flood mark: 3.65 metres).
Compared to previous reports—when water levels at Sangam, Munshi Bagh, and Asham were as low as 3.85 feet, 5.94 feet, and 3.84 feet respectively—the current situation marks a significant recovery. Officials have reiterated that there is no immediate risk of flooding, and water levels are being closely monitored, with the impact of rain in upper catchment areas expected to be seen after a short delay.
Weather experts say the rainfall has significantly eased water shortages. They said that the recent rains have raised the water level of the Jhelum river, which will go a long way in overcoming the water shortage and that the rivers and tributaries are in spate, providing sufficient water for irrigation needs.
The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has forecast more rainfall in the region in the coming days, particularly between July 21 and 25, offering further respite to the farming community.
