From seed distribution to crop calendars, the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) has an action plan to tackle the dry conditions it expects in Kashmir this summer.
Kashmir has had a dry winter this year with the months of January and February recording a rainfall deficit of around 80%. Even though the weather department had forecast a wet spell until February 28, there has also been a significant shortfall of snow in Kashmir, plus the attendant consequences.
Crop contingency plan
Experts have previously warned that if the dry weather continued, it could lead to a drought-like situation in the subsequent spring and summer. They have also stressed that it could severely affect water-dependent sectors such as irrigated agriculture (paddy), horticulture, hydroelectric power production, and even drinking water supply.
Forests are also at risk of wildfires and a few have already been reported.
In anticipation, researchers at SKUAST are ready with planting and adaptation strategies for farmers in the region.
Asif Bashir Shikari, head of the National Seed Project at SKUAST, said Kashmir has been experiencing erratic weather for several years now. This year, the snowless winter has left the region in a precarious situation.
He added that SKUAST has prepared a “crop contingency plan” led by its vice-chancellor Nazir Ganai for short- and long-term mitigation of a drought-like situation.
“Briefly, our action plan for these weather fluctuations operates on two fronts. First, on logistics support, what we provide to farmers and other stakeholders in terms of benefits and support in a situation like drought; and second, it comprises farm advisory services,” Asif said. “Among agricultural inputs, seed availability is the most important, especially in drought-like conditions, where having the right planting material is paramount.”
“Annually, we require 1.5 lakh quintals of seed, with farmers specifically depending on certified seed. To meet this demand, the university produces at least 100 quintals of breeder seed of field and vegetable crops,” he added.
The scientist stressed that in case of a drought-like situation, he and his peers recommend the consumption of crops other than rice and “accordingly facilitate the enhanced seed availability of drought-tolerant maize varieties and hybrids, such as SMC-8 and SMH-5, and pulses, as these crops are more resilient to dry conditions. Pulses, in particular, require less water and can still produce a reasonable yield with minimal losses.”
Helping crops survive
“Apart from seed management, we emphasise implementing other drought mitigation strategies. For vegetable crops, techniques like mulching — covering the topsoil with material such as bark, wood chips, leaves, and other organic material in order to preserve moisture and improve the soil condition — can be practiced,” Asif said.
Experts also recommended using anti-transpirant agents, which block plants from releasing water into the air. Similar measures are applied to horticultural crops like apples.
“We also promote micro-irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation, by installing demonstration units in farmers’ fields. Water-saving technologies such as mist sprayers are already in use in saffron fields,” according to Asif. “Through these combined efforts, we aim to help farmers adapt to changing weather conditions and sustain agricultural productivity.”
Helping crops survive also means keeping pests at bay. With rising temperature, pests that were previously docile have become invasive and more active. For example, a common pest called aphids completes its life cycle much faster and produces more generations per year in warmer weather. Leaf miner blotch, a pest of apple crops, has graduated from being a minor to a major concern for the same reason, researchers said. “This necessitates issuing advisories to farmers and suggesting innovative chemical control measures in such situations,” Zafar Mehdi, associate professor in the Division of Basic Sciences and Humanities at SKUAST, said.
The action plan has multiple categories of advisory services. “The meteorological department provides weather data, and based on that, we develop crop calendars.” These calendars specify normal crop cycles as well as alternate crops that should be planted in case of drought conditions,” Zafar added.
“Take Budgam, for example, a significant vegetable-producing region,” Asif said. “Abrupt climatic changes in the Kashmir Valley, including rising temperatures and [incidence of] drought, threaten vegetable crop production. Kharif vegetables, particularly those from the Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae families, suffer from heat and water stress, affecting germination, pollen sterility, growth and yield.”
The corresponding interventions in this scenario, he continued, include selecting heat-tolerant crops to plant, like fava bean and cowpea, as well as short-duration varieties. He also suggested adjusting planting schedules, using improved seedling production techniques, and employing techniques that conserve soils’ nutrients and moisture.
“Efficient irrigation methods like drip and micro-sprinkler systems, along with organic soil amendments and foliar nutrition, can enhance resilience and ensure sustainable vegetable production,” Asif added.
A persistent problem
Unlike food crops, however, fruit crops can’t be rescued by crop rotation. They need direct mitigation strategies. “For example, advisories outline the necessary sprays for early blooming, including applications of growth regulators,” according to Asif. “If almond trees bloom early, specific measures are suggested to protect the fruit. Similarly, in the event of water loss, sprays containing anti-transpirants and other essential chemicals are recommended.”
He added that the availability of fodder seed has also been a persistent problem because the local production of seeds is limited. And in a drought-like situation, the production drops further.
“Since fodder is typically harvested at the green stage, seed production does not occur within the valley. However, seed production is essential, and the university has taken significant steps in this regard. As a strategic approach, we cultivate fodder seeds in the Jammu region. Last year, we produced approximately 300 quintals of foundation seed and supplied it to the Department of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry for further multiplication,” Asif said.
Hirra Azmat is a Kashmir-based journalist who writes extensively on health and environment. Her stories have appeared in various local and national publications.
Published – March 05, 2025 05:30 am IST