Srinagar, May 08 (KNS): As Jammu and Kashmir witnessed heavy and unusual rain and snow, the weather department on Monday said that there will be significant improvement in the weather system from tomorrow onwards.
According to a meteorological department official, "Today will be rainy, cloudy, and cold in J&K. A significant improvement is very likely from May 9." However, he cautioned that while "mainly clear weather" is expected on May 9, rain or thunderstorms in the late afternoon or evening cannot be ruled out in some areas.
"From May 10-15, the weather is expected to be "mainly dry," accompanied by a rise in temperature," the official said.
Meanwhile, the tourists have also been advised to prepare warm clothes and food supplies for the fluctuating weather conditions.
Furthermore, the recent unseasonal snowfall and hailstorms in the districts of Anantnag, Kulgam, and Shopian in South Kashmir have caused concerns for orchard owners. The sudden weather change, coupled with a drop in temperature, may negatively impact fruit set, leading to premature fruit drop and increased disease spread.
To mitigate the effects of snowfall and hailstorms and prevent the spread of diseases, farmers are advised to follow the recommendations provided by the Directorate of Horticulture Kashmir: "Shake the trees immediately to remove accumulated snow from branches. Ensure proper drainage by clearing accumulated snow and rainwater through drainage channels. Apply the recommended fungicides once the weather improves: Zineb 68% + Hexaconazole 4% 72 WP: Use 100g per 100 liters of water. OR Tubeconazole(6.7%)+Captan(26.9)33.6SC: Use 250mls per 100 liters of water.OR Fluxapyroxad 250g/l + Pyraclostrobin 250g/l 500SC: Use 20mls per 100 liters of water," the advisory said.
"Three days after the fungicide application, spray Urea at a concentration of 0.2% (200g per 100 liters of water). Promptly remove fallen fruitlets and leaves from the orchards. Spray during dry and cool hours.If possible, use mist sprays for better coverage," it said.
Talking to KNS, Director of Horticulture Ghulaam Rasool stated that he has instructed all district officers to dispatch assessment teams to the affected areas and evaluate the extent of damage caused by the unprecedented snowfall. Furthermore, an advisory has been issued to farmers who have incurred losses as a result of this unusual weather event.
Another official said that the damage ranges from 5 to 30 percent in different villages of Shopian district whereas in Kulgam it is 5 to 10 percent.
Also, the Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA) issued an avalanche alert over higher reaches in four districts for next 24 hours. The DMA said that a ‘low’ danger level avalanche is likely to occur above 3000 to 3500 metres above sea level over Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban and Baramulla districts.
People living in these areas have been in the meantime advised to take precautions and avoid venturing in the avalanche prone areas till further orders.(KNS).