WS/VP Desk
Srinagar, Dec 12: Fresh snowfall blanketed several parts of the Kashmir Valley on Thursday, marking the end of a prolonged dry spell.
Farmers in Kashmir can breathe a sigh of relief as the season’s first snowfall promises optimal moisture and temperature for crop growth.
Last winter, the Valley experienced one of the most severe dry spells in decades, attributed to weak western disturbances. but with this fresh spell, farmers are rejoicing, as it will breathe new life into the horticulture and agriculture sectors.
A group of farmers from the northern region of Kashmir shared their happiness in a chat with The Web Story/The Varmul Post, stating, “We are happy, and we all heaved a sigh of relief with the snowfall. It is a gift from God to all farmers.”
They emphasized the importance of snowfall for crops, highlighting its role in establishing integrated nutrient management by providing essential elements and optimal moisture for crop growth.
Pertinently, the amount of snowfall in Kashmir has significantly decreased over the last few decades. Shivangi Vashista, an Environmental Economist at the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, explains, “According to research, there has been a notable 43% decrease in the mean frequency of strong and extreme Western disturbances in recent years, which typically cause rainfall or snowfall.
Jammu & Kashmir has experienced comparatively dry winters with very little snowfall in several years over the past decade, including 2022, 2018, and 2015.” Vashista emphasizes that global warming and climate change are altering precipitation patterns in the Kashmir Valley. “The lack of snowfall in specific regions, such as the Kashmir Valley, can be influenced by various climate change indicators and data points,” she added.
In an article published by BBC India, Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, a researcher from the University of Kashmir, stated, “Our per capita greenhouse gas emissions are very low compared to other states. The people of Kashmir lead a modest lifestyle. We are the victims of global climate change.” He highlighted that the absence of snowfall in Kashmir is part of a broader issue that needs addressing.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that Kashmir will experience harsh conditions this winter due to the La Niña weather effect.
La Niña occurs when ocean surface temperatures in the central equatorial Pacific cool significantly, disrupting atmospheric circulation patterns and often leading to extreme weather conditions across the world.
