Sudden Weather Change Forces Growers to Expedite Delicious Apple Harvesting Amid Fears of Further Losses
Kashmir, October 9, 2026 (Umar Malik): Apple growers across several parts of South and North Kashmir have suffered losses following hailstorms, strong winds and sudden changes in weather conditions, leaving farmers concerned despite comparatively encouraging market rates during the ongoing harvest season.
Speaking to JK Patrika News, local residents said the weather changed abruptly during the evening, causing considerable damage to apple orchards. Strong winds reportedly caused large quantities of apples to fall from trees, while hailstorms affected several areas, damaging the standing crop and adding to the worries of growers.
Farmers said they had been waiting for favourable weather conditions to allow the apples to develop the desired colour and quality, which could have helped them secure better prices in the market. However, the sudden deterioration in weather conditions forced many growers to accelerate the harvesting of Delicious apples to minimise further losses.
Farmers Hopeful of Recovering Previous Losses
According to local growers, the current season had raised hopes of improved earnings, particularly after the financial setbacks experienced last year. Disruptions along the National Highway had reportedly affected fruit transportation, leading to delays and the spoilage of significant quantities of produce.
Farmers had expected comparatively favourable market rates this season to help them recover some of their previous losses. However, the recent spell of adverse weather has raised fresh concerns about the quantity and quality of the remaining crop.
Growers fear that continued unfavourable weather could disrupt harvesting operations, further damage the fruit and affect their overall income. For farmers dependent on apple cultivation, even a short spell of severe weather during the harvest period can create additional financial pressure.
Sudden Weather Changes Add to Growers’ Concerns
The reported damage has come at a crucial stage of the harvesting season, when growers are focused on picking, grading and transporting their produce to markets. The premature falling of apples and hail-related damage can affect fruit quality and marketability, potentially reducing returns for affected farmers.
Meanwhile, weather forecasts have indicated the possibility of improving conditions over the coming days, although winds of varying intensity may occur during evening hours. Growers remain concerned about further weather disturbances while the harvesting season continues.
Kashmir’s Apple Industry Faces Weather-Related Risks
The latest incidents have once again highlighted the vulnerability of Kashmir’s apple industry to sudden climatic changes. Apple cultivation is a major source of livelihood for thousands of farming families across the Valley, making weather conditions during the harvesting period particularly important for their income and economic stability.
For growers in affected areas, protecting the remaining crop, completing harvesting operations in time and securing fair market returns have become immediate priorities.
Despite encouraging market rates, the reported losses caused by hailstorms and strong winds have dampened farmers’ expectations for the season. Growers now hope that weather conditions will stabilise, allowing them to harvest and transport the remaining apples without further damage.
