Kashmir’s Drought Preparedness: Strategies for a Dry Summer

Syllabus:

GS-1:

Geographical Features and their Location

GS-3:

Environmental Pollution & DegradationConservation

Focus:

Kashmir has witnessed a rainfall deficit of 80-90%, raising concerns about drought-like conditions in the coming months. In response, SKUAST researchers have developed adaptation strategies for farmers, focusing on water conservation, crop rotation, drought-resistant seeds, and efficient irrigation methods to mitigate the impact of the dry spell.

Kashmir’s Drought Preparedness: Strategies for a Dry Summer

Addressing the Impact of Dry Weather:

Significance of the Rainfall Deficit

  • The months of January and February recorded a 90% rainfall deficit, with minimal snowfall affecting water availability.
  • Experts warn that this prolonged dry spell could impact irrigated agriculture, horticulture, hydroelectric power, and drinking water supply.
  • The risk of wildfires in forests has also increased due to low moisture levels.

Long-Term Weather Patterns

  • Kashmir has been experiencing erratic weather conditions for several years.
  • The absence of winter snowfall has left the region in a vulnerable state, increasing the urgency of adaptation strategies.

Understanding Droughts:

  • Extended periods of reduced water availability leading to imbalances in supply, quality, and demand.
  • Can last for weeks, months, or even years, affecting plant growth and lowering water tables.
  • Caused by natural factors like low precipitation and human activities such as excessive water extraction and poor land management.
  • Climate change is increasing their frequency and severity globally.

Initiatives to Combat Drought:

  • Integrated Drought Management Programme (IDMP):
  • A joint initiative by the Global Water Partnership (GWP) and WMO.
  • Helps governments with policy, technical, and management support for drought resilience.
  • UNCCD’s Drought Initiative:
  • Focuses on setting up drought preparedness systems.
  • World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (WDCDD):
  • Celebrated annually on June 17 to raise awareness.
  • Drought Resilience, Adaptation, and Management Policy (DRAMP) Framework:
  • Advocates for science-policy collaboration, data collection, and equitable solutions to ensure drought resilience.

SKUAST’s Crop Contingency Plan:

Dual-Focus Strategy

The action plan focuses on two main aspects:

  • Logistical Support: Providing seeds, advisory services, and assistance to farmers.
  • Farm Advisory Services: Offering expert guidance on drought mitigation.

Ensuring Seed Availability

  • Annually, Kashmir requires 5 lakh quintals of certified seeds for agricultural production.
  • SKUAST has enhanced seed production of drought-tolerant maize hybrids like SMC-8 and SMH-5.
  • Farmers are encouraged to grow alternative crops such as pulses, which are more resilient to dry conditions and require less water.

Adapting Crop Calendars

  • SKUAST has developed crop calendars that suggest alternate crops in case of drought.
  • Farmers are advised to shift towards short-duration crop varieties that consume less water but offer stable yields.
  • In areas like Budgam, where vegetable farming is dominant, experts recommend heat-resistant crops like cowpea and faba bean.

Water Conservation and Irrigation Strategies:

Efficient Irrigation Techniques

  • The adoption of drip irrigation and micro-sprinkler systems is being promoted to reduce water wastage.
  • Demonstration units have been installed in farmers’ fields to encourage the use of water-saving technologies.

Soil Moisture Retention Techniques

  • Mulching is encouraged, which involves covering soil with materials like bark, wood chips, and organic matter to retain moisture and improve soil quality.
  • Use of anti-transpirants is advised to reduce water loss from plant surfaces.

Alternative Water Management Approaches

  • Sprayers and mist irrigation are recommended for high-value crops like saffron to minimize water loss.
  • Farmers are encouraged to use organic soil amendments and foliar nutrition to improve crop resilience.

Protecting Crops from Heat and Pests:

Pest and Disease Management

  • Rising temperatures have led to an increase in pest activity, making crops more vulnerable to infestations.
  • The aphid population has increased, completing more life cycles per year due to warmer conditions.
  • Apple leaf miner blotch, once a minor concern, has now become a serious threat to fruit crops.

Mitigation Measures

  • SKUAST researchers have developed pest management advisories to help farmers control outbreaks.
  • The use of innovative chemical treatments and biological control measures is recommended.
  • Heat-tolerant crop varieties are being promoted to minimize crop losses due to temperature fluctuations.

Managing Horticulture and Fodder Production:

Challenges in Fruit Crop Cultivation

  • Unlike food crops, fruit crops cannot be rescued through crop rotation and require direct intervention.
  • Early blooming of almond trees requires specialized sprays and growth regulators to protect fruit yield.
  • Anti-transpirant sprays and other chemical treatments are suggested to reduce water loss in fruit orchards.

Enhancing Fodder Production

  • A major challenge in dry conditions is the limited availability of fodder seeds.
  • SKUAST has increased fodder seed production in Jammu, producing 300 quintals of foundation seed last year.
  • These seeds were distributed to the Department of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry to support livestock farmers.

Challenges:

  • Severe Rainfall Deficit: The 80-90% deficit in rainfall and snowfall has led to reduced water availability for irrigation and drinking purposes.
  • Drought Risk: Prolonged dry spells can cause drought-like conditions, severely impacting agriculture, horticulture, and hydropower generation.
  • Limited Water Resources: Dependence on rain-fed agriculture makes the region vulnerable to erratic weather conditions.
  • Inadequate Seed Supply: Farmers require 5 lakh quintals of certified seeds, but availability remains a challenge, especially for drought-resistant varieties.
  • Pest Infestation: Rising temperatures have led to increased pest activity, threatening crop yields and quality.
  • Horticultural Sensitivity: Unlike food crops, fruit crops cannot be rotated, making them more vulnerable to extreme weather conditions.
  • Fodder Shortage: Dry conditions reduce fodder production, affecting livestock farmers.

Way Forward:

  • Efficient Water Management: Expand drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and soil moisture retention techniques like mulching.
  • Diversification of Crops: Promote drought-resistant varieties and shift towards short-duration, less water-intensive crops.
  • Pest Control Strategies: Strengthen integrated pest management using biological controls and eco-friendly pesticides.
  • Horticultural Support: Provide growth regulators and anti-transpirants to protect fruit crops from heat stress.
  • Seed Production & Distribution: Increase the availability of certified drought-resistant seeds through local production initiatives.
  • Farmer Awareness & Training: Conduct workshops, field demonstrations, and advisory services on climate-resilient agriculture.
  • Policy Interventions: Government support in subsidizing irrigation equipment, promoting research, and ensuring market access for alternative crops.

Conclusion:

With the increasing uncertainty of weather patterns in Kashmir, adaptive agricultural strategies have become essential. SKUAST’s action plan focuses on seed availability, crop diversification, irrigation efficiency, and pest management to help farmers navigate the challenges posed by a dry summer. By implementing these measures, Kashmir’s farming community can build resilience against future climate uncertainties while maintaining agricultural productivity.

Source: TH

Mains Practice Question:

With erratic weather patterns and prolonged dry spells becoming more frequent, discuss the challenges faced by farmers in drought-prone regions like Kashmir. Suggest scientific and policy-based solutions to enhance climate resilience in Indian agriculture, ensuring sustainable water management and food security. (250 words)