Srinagar, Jul 18 (KNO): After weeks of scorching heat and a prolonged dry spell that had left Kashmir’s paddy fields parched and orchards wilting, the recent spell of rainfall has brought immense relief to the farmers across the Valley.
With water levels rising in rivers, canals and streams, the irrigation pump stations that had gone defunct due to low water availability have now started functioning again, thereby reviving hopes for a better crop yield this season.
As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the farmers in different parts of the Valley were seen rejoicing, as the rains came just in time to save standing crops that were under severe stress due to lack of water.
“We were really worried that the crop would get damaged completely. The paddy land had dried up and cracks had appeared in fields. But the recent rains have been no less than a blessing,” said Ghulam Nabi, a farmer from Awantipora. “Now, our land has absorbed water and we have resumed our irrigation routines. There’s new hope,” he added with a sigh of relief.
The heatwave and dry weather had also affected orchards in South and Central Kashmir, with many fruit growers complaining of early fruit drop and stressed leaves. However, orchardists say the rainfall has brought some balance.
“We were spending heavily on irrigating orchards through different means but were unable to irrigate whole orchards. The rain has come at a perfect time and it’s a big relief for us,” said Mushtaq Ahmad, a fruit grower from Shopian. “Rainwater is far better for the trees than any other means of irrigation,” he added.
Agriculture experts say that while the rainfall may not completely reverse the damage caused by the dry spell, it will certainly help in stabilizing crop conditions and restoring soil moisture.
“The impact of the dry spell was visible in both paddy and horticulture sectors. Rain was essential at this stage. This spell has replenished water bodies and helped restore irrigation schedules. It has also enhanced the availability of groundwater to some extent,” said Dr. Talib Shah, an agriculture scientist.
According to the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, the water level in major streams and rivers like Jhelum and Lidder has increased, enabling irrigation pump stations to resume operations.
“Pump stations had either stopped or were operating at low capacity. Now, with improved water levels, they are functional again, and canals are being supplied adequately,” said an official from the department. “This will significantly help the farmers,” he added.
Experts, however, caution that a single rainfall spell is not a long-term solution. “While this rain has been beneficial, the larger issue of climate variability and decreasing water availability needs long-term planning and water conservation efforts,” Dr. Talib Ahmad said.
“We had lost hope,” said Fayaz Ahmad, a farmer from Budgam. “But Allah heard our prayers. This is what we were desperately waiting for.”
The Meteorological Department has predicted more light to moderate rainfall in the coming days, which may further improve the agricultural prospects for the region—(KNO)