Ishtiyaq Kar
Srinagar, Feb 15: Amid above-normal temperatures and a prolonged dry spell, Kashmir is witnessing an unusual phenomenon—early flowering in several plant species.
Flowers like daffodils and willows, which typically bloom in March, have started sprouting weeks in advance, raising concerns among farmers and environmentalists.
This shift in seasonal patterns, experts say, is a direct consequence of global climate change and erratic weather conditions in the region. January and February, which are traditionally the coldest months in Kashmir, recorded an 80 percent precipitation deficit, resulting in a winter that felt more like early spring.
Mohammad Shafi, a florist from Srinagar, said he has never seen daffodils bloom so early. “This is supposed to be winter, but it feels like spring. We see flower buds sprouting everywhere. Daffodils, which usually bloom in March, have already started flowering. I fear this will impact other crops too,” he said.
The phenomenon is particularly worrying for fruit growers, who fear that an early flowering cycle could disrupt pollination and affect fruit yields.
Ghulam Nabi, an orchardist from Pulwama, said the untimely flowering of trees such as almond and cherry could lead to losses.
“If flowers bloom too early, they may get damaged by a sudden drop in temperature, which is common in March. Without proper pollination, fruit set will be affected, and that means lower yields,” he explained.
Experts warn that such seasonal shifts could have long-term implications for Kashmir’s biodiversity. “Early flowering disturbs the synchronization between plants and their pollinators. If insects like bees and butterflies are not active when flowers bloom, pollination will suffer, leading to reduced fruit production,” Shafi said.
The horticulture sector, which is the backbone of Kashmir’s economy, is particularly vulnerable to such climatic irregularities. “We are already witnessing a decline in apple production due to erratic weather. If these trends continue, the horticulture sector will face severe challenges,” said Mohammad Ashraf Bhat, a fruit grower from Sopore.
Farmers are urging the authorities to take preventive measures, such as research-based interventions and weather monitoring, to help mitigate potential damage. “We need scientific solutions, like artificial pollination techniques or better irrigation facilities, to cope with these changes,” said Bhat.
