Nawshaba Iqbal
SRINAGAR, Feb 22: Higher-than-usual February temperatures and reduced precipitation have accelerated plant growth in Kashmir, triggering premature blooming in several crops and ornamental species.
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The early flowering, seen across multiple districts, is occurring weeks before the usual March bloom, raising concern among growers.
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Horticulturists said the shorter dormancy period has disrupted the growth cycle of fruit trees and seasonal plants, which could affect yield and crop health.
Dr Sameera Qayoom, agrometeorologist at SKUAST-K, said the sustained rise in both minimum and maximum temperatures has hastened plant development across the Valley.
“The temperature we usually record in March is being observed now. As a result, plants have accumulated the required heat earlier and entered the blooming stage ahead of time,” she told Excelsior.
Explaining the shift, Qayoom said plants need a fixed number of heat units to move from one growth stage to another.
“Earlier, February temperatures were lower and plants remained dormant for longer. This year, temperatures are around 9 degrees above normal, which has led to early blooming,” she said.
Experts attribute the trend to higher temperatures combined with reduced precipitation.
Qayoom noted that a similar spike was recorded nearly 22 years ago, when the mercury touched 25 degrees Celsius in February for a day before rainfall brought temperatures down.
“At present, no significant rainfall is expected in the coming days. If temperatures remain high, early blooming may spread to more crops and plants,” she said.
Growers said the impact is already visible in fruit trees, vegetables and ornamental plants.
Imtiyaz Ahmad, a local resident, said the changing weather is affecting overall growth cycles.
“Extreme heat affects everything-humans, plants and even water. We are now seeing its impact earlier in the season. Fruit plants and trees are blooming sooner than usual,” he told Excelsior.
Anwar Dar, a known florist at Lal Chowk, said some plants have flowered nearly a month ahead of schedule.
“The Salix plant locally known as ‘Bred Mushk’ is in full bloom now, whereas it usually flowers in March. This early bloom is linked to changing weather conditions,” he said.
Pertinent to mention here, declining rainfall and reduced snowfall over the years have further altered growth cycles, as per the experts, raising concerns about the long-term impact on horticulture and the environment.
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