Record heat, dry spell worry Kashmir’s apple farmers

Kashmir has just witnessed its hottest June in nearly 50 years, and the extreme weather is causing concern among the region’s fruit growers, especially apple farmers. 

With very little rainfall and high temperatures, many fear damage to their crops.

According to weather data, Srinagar recorded an average maximum temperature of 33°C in June 2025, which is 3°C higher than normal. 

It was the hottest June since 1978. The minimum temperature also stayed high at 18.2°C, and on 10 days, the mercury rose above 34°C. On 20 and 24 June, the temperature touched 36°C, and on June 19, 21, 23, and 30, it reached 35°C.

Meteorological Department Director Mukhtar Ahmad confirmed that since 1978, the month of June has been the hottest. “During the dry spell, temperatures do rise, as does the humidity, which makes the situation difficult,” he said.

He said that some relief is expected from tomorrow late at night or in the morning, as there are chances of rain. “Both the people and the farmers will get some relief in the coming days due to a change in the weather,” he said.

The high temperatures and 50 per cent rainfall deficit have put a serious strain on apple orchards, which are central to Kashmir’s economy.

Fayaz Ahmad, president of Sopore fruit mandi (trading centre), said farmers are growing anxious. 

“High temperatures cause diseases like the red mite,” he said. We hope it will rain in the coming days so that the situation eases out.”

Some farmers are using water pumps to irrigate their orchards, but this is difficult in rain-fed areas where irrigation systems do not exist. Water levels in canals and other sources have also dropped, making it even harder to keep orchards alive.

Cultivators are noticing sunburn on apples, smaller fruit sizes, and signs of poor-quality produce that might fetch lower prices in the market. If the weather continues like this, they fear even greater losses.

India