Two days of intermittent rainfall resulting in sharp dip in temperatures has sent people in Kashmir looking not only for their shelved woolens but also ushered in autumn in all its resplendent colours.
With a considerable nip in the air during mornings and evenings, orchards dotted with apples, walnuts, grapes and fields of rice offer the perfect setting for farmers to step-out into their fields to reap the benefits of a yearlong hard work.
The change in season has also resulted in nomads returning with their flock of sheep and goats to warmer pastures in Jammu region. Like every season of change, the nomads carry their children, tents, day-to-day goods and other essentials which make their stay in the alpine pastures possible.
“I have never seen such a picture-perfect setting ever in my life. I am in Kashmir for a week and loving every moment of it,” said Rajesh Kumar, a tourist.
The autumn has also made Valley’s hinterland come to life as womenfolk and men in different age groups, accompanied by children are seen reaping the grain-laden paddy fields. Agriculturists say a rich paddy yield is expected this year, contrary to predictions earlier.
“Even though there were advisories issued by the agriculture department for restraining paddy sowing to only well-irrigated areas, it seems the yield will be quite rich,” said Dr Farooq Ahmad Lone, group leader of Center for Climate Change and Mountain Agriculture, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir. “There was apprehension that less than average rainfall during summer would be a spoilsport but I believe we have overcome that fear”.
In the city-centre of summer capital, the weekly Sunday market which has become a regular shopping place, is seen attracting shoppers from across the city as brisk sales of woolens has picked up here.
“I visited LalChowk to make purchases for some jackets and windcheaters today as I go for a morning walk daily. This weather is a respite from the scorching heat,” said Jasim Ahmad, a shopper.
Fruit growers and traders at this time of the year are a busy lot as truckloads of apples with different varieties are being supplied to mandis and markets outside the state.
Bashir Ahmad Basheer, president of Kashmir Valley Growers and Dealers Union says that Kashmiri apple is fetching better rates in outside mandis than the last season. “An encouraging market has provided a boost to orchardists who are ensuring that only the good quality apples are sent to outside markets,” said Basheer. The apple trader says local Kashmiri apple is facing intense competition from neighboring Himachal Pradesh where marketing of Himachal Apple has seen a spurt.
Arrival of autumn has also come as a ray of hope for tourism sector in Kashmir. The early snowfall in upper reaches of the Valley is seen by tourism stakeholders in Kashmir as an opportunity to save the remaining tourist season, hoping that increased tourist influx will provide a much-needed boost to the ailing sector. Several film units from Bollywood and south India are presently shooting in the Valley.
Tourist arrivals and bookings to Kashmir had taken a hit after 22-year-old Tamil tourist Thirumani died in a stone throwing incident at Narbal outside Srinagar on May 8. Soon after the Chennai tourist’s death, Tamil Nadu chief minister K Palaniswami had sought help from J&K government for the safe return of 130 tourists from Kashmir.
Director Tourism Kashmir TassaduqJeelani said the department will be holding rigorous campaigns to attract maximum tourists to Valley. “After deep slump, there is need for much-needed turnaround for Kashmir’s tourism sector. Autumn and winter season is looking very promising but conducive situation is an important pre-requisite to attract tourists here,” Jeelani said.
Popular actors visiting the Valley this season have admitted that Bollywood should not just focus on political problems of Kashmir but highlight the natural beauty of the Valley.
In an exclusive interview to Greater Kashmir, popular actor ManojBajpayee had recently said film shootings in Kashmir can help remove the “trust-deficit” among prospective tourists. The actor said film shootings in the Valley can also help overcome “negative image of Kashmir created by wrong portrayal by some sections of media”.
“Perception can make or break a place. Prospective tourists need to be ensured that this place is welcoming and nature here is a real treat for eye,” Bajpayee said. “More and more Bollywood film shootings taking place is a good sign for the Valley and can help encourage more tourists visit here. I think the tourism department has a major role to play in promotion of Valley”.