Odd weather mars production of plums in Kashmir

Srinagar, July 22 (ANI): The production of plums has declined this year in Jammu and Kashmir due to adverse weather conditions.

Locally known as alubukhara, Kashmiri plums are famous for their superior taste.

Plums need cool climate, moderate rainfall and bright sunshine during the flowering season but unexpected rains upset the growers' hopes of a good yield.

Speaking to mediapersons, Manzoor Ahmad, an agronomist from the Horticulture Department confirmed that the production has decreased this year.

"According to the estimate, the production of Kashmiri plums is around 8,500 metric tonnes. But this year, the production has reduced by 15 to 20 percent. It is because during the blooming season, premature rainfall in the month of April had lowered down the temperature and this has adversely affected the production of plums," said Manzoor Ahmad.

The unusual rainfall and snowfall in some parts of the plum growing areas like Kanipora, Budgam and Zakura during the month of March and April this year (2011) had damaged the blooming flowers, resulting in steep fall in the overall production.

A grower also noted that the size and taste of the plums this year are also different as compared to previous years.

"As compared to last year, the production of Alubokhara (Kashmiri plums) is less. It is because of the rainfall, which occurred during the month of April. The flowers which had bloomed withered down," said Javaid Ahmad, owner of a plum orchard.

In Kashmir, plum is grown in around 4,500 hectares and the production last year was approximately 8,500 tonnes.

According to the experts of the Horticulture Department, the production this year is 15 to 20 percent as compared to the previous year.

Kashmiri plums are in good demand all over the country. (ANI)