Unexpected Rain, Snow Could Damage Kashmir's Almond Crop: Experts

Srinagar: It has been raining incessantly in Kashmir since Friday morning causing a significant drop in the day temperature of around 8 Degree Celsius. The weather activity is also linked with the western disturbances heading from UAE and Iran towards India. MET has forecast heavy rain and snow in the valley for next three days till Monday.

"Heavy rain and snow is forecast in the plains and other higher areas of the state in the next 40 hours", said Sonam Lotus- Director MET Kashmir.

It has been rainfall deficit season for Kashmir with valley receiving less than 50 per cent rains - the dry weather conditions triggered an early flower bloom - but a sudden drop in temperature combined with heavy rains is now damaging the fruit crops and causing heavy losses.
Almonds, a major produce, could witness a sharp drop of 10 to 15 per cent in its annual production.

"Fruit crop will suffer great damage and this will be a great loss to the people", said Gowhar Nazir, a Horticulturist.

Jammu Srinagar national highway is open. An avalanche warning has been issued for higher areas of Jammu and Kashmir.