Ending the prolonged dry spell, the Wednesday rainfall brought the much-needed relief to the farmer community in Kashmir.
The deficit rainfall in the last two months had badly affected the agricultural operations in Kashmir.
“The rainfall, though scant, was much-needed at this juncture. At least, it will save the apple trees which were desiccating due to the prolonged dry spell,” said Abdul Qadeer, an orchard owner from north Kashmir.
Since the soil was dry and lacking the required moisture, the farmers who had sown rabi crops, such as wheat, peas and oil seeds, were praying for the rain.
“The rain has ensured the moisture in the soil, which is very important for the germination of these seeds,” Qadeer said. Some farmers said that paddy plants needed sufficient water to grow. “If the water is not provided, the plants either dry up or fail to attain normal size,” they said.
It may be mentioned that 10 districts of Kashmir have recorded rain shortfall of 52 to 79 percent. Kashmir received 202.3 mm rainfall from July against an average 708 mm rainfall. Similarly, the Valley received 298.1 mm rainfall against the average 491 mm.