As per the data by Kashmir Horticulture department, total apple production in 2013-14 has been recorded at 16, 33, 349 metric ton. However, numbers are expected to drop this year.
According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, it has been one of those rare years when snowfall was just confined to higher reaches only during December and January, while the lower reaches just observed light rain. Spell of widespread heavy snow and rain was recorded February onwards.
Srinagar recorded mere 5.7 mm of rainfall in December and January against the normal of 97.4 mm, while it recorded whopping 171.1 mm in February alone against the normal of 72.3 mm.
Apple growers consider snow as “white manure" and is a key requirement for temperate fruit growing. The cold weather conditions provides crop with the minimum required chilling hours that prevents shedding of leaves and also kill pests. The snow also helps the manure-compost to set well.
Apple industry is considered to be the backbone of the economy of Kashmir valley that provides employment to about 60% of the population. It is the main source of livelihood of many households of the region.
Kashmir Valley, also known as fruit bow of India, offers several variety of apple. Some of the prominent varieties are Ambri, Delicious, American Teral, Maharaji, Piazratbali, Ke- sari, and Royal Misri.
Barmulla, Anantnag, Srinagar, Kupwara and Pulwama covers over 85 per cent of the total orchards in the state.
March too remained snow heavy for Srinagar. According to the data available with Skymet till March 10, the city has already recorded 126 mm of precipitation so far against the monthly average of 115.6 mm. The city has already witnessed eight days of rain against the average of 10 rainy days. Heavy rain was recorded on March 2 (35 mm) and March 9 (54 mm).