Poor snowfall in Kashmir hits tourism & agriculture

Short winter to have long-term impact on Kashmir’s economy

Even though the winter is over half way through in Kashmir, the region has experienced very little snowfall this year and as a result, its economy, dependent on horticulture and tourism, faces a severe challenge. The lack of snow threatens agriculture, particularly apple production, and hampers the region's once-thriving winter tourism industry.

Kashmir, a region once synonymous with enchanting winter landscapes covered with snow, has long been a haven for both farmers and tourists. The snow-capped mountains, glistening rivers, and lush valleys have made it a symbol of natural beauty, drawing millions of tourists and providing crucial resources for local agriculture. However, in recent years, the changing climate has started to take a toll on both sectors, and Kashmir is facing the consequences of a vanishing winter.

Tourism in trouble: The decline of Gulmarg

Kashmir is famous for its tourism industry, with Gulmarg being one of its top winter destinations. The town, located in the Pir Panjal range, is known for its scenic beauty and its thriving ski resorts, attracting visitors from all over the world. Winter tourists flock to Gulmarg to enjoy the snow-covered slopes, serene landscapes, and the unique charm of the region.

But this winter, tourism has taken a massive hit due to the lack of snowfall. According to recent reports, hotel occupancy rates in Gulmarg have plummeted to a mere 20 pc, compared to the usual 60-70 pc in previous years. The decline in snowfall has led to fewer tourists visiting the region, as many come for the snow and winter sports that have traditionally made the area a popular winter getaway.

Hoteliers, tour operators, and local businesses are feeling the impact of the declining tourism. With fewer bookings and a rise in cancellations, they are facing massive revenue losses. Local shops, restaurants, and transportation services that rely on tourism are also struggling to stay afloat as the influx of visitors has dwindled.

Irshad Wani, Manager at Pine View Hotel in Gulmarg, says he has witnessed first-hand the impact of reduced snowfall on the region’s tourism. As the winter season grows shorter and the snow cover becomes less predictable, local hoteliers are struggling to maintain business.

“For years, we relied on the snow to bring in tourists. But now, with fewer tourists arriving due to the lack of snow, it feels like our livelihoods are melting away with the winter. We are just hoping for a turnaround, but each year the snowfall seems more unpredictable. We are in a tough spot,” Wani tells Media India Group.

The prolonged dry spell has exacerbated the situation. Many tourists are now opting for other destinations where snow is more reliable, leaving the region’s once-bustling winter tourism industry in the lurch. The tourism downturn is not just a temporary setback but a sign of deeper, long-term issues that could lead to a permanent decline in Kashmir’s reputation as a winter destination.

Even the iconic shikaras, the traditional wooden boats that glide through the serene waters of Dal Lake, are feeling the effects of the changing climate. Once a symbol of Kashmir’s timeless charm, these boats, which rely heavily on the influx of winter tourists, are have seen a significant decline in business. As the region’s winter appeal diminishes, the livelihoods of those who depend on these boats for their income are also under threat.

“Our winter economy depends on snowfall. People come to Kashmir for winter activities and snow-covered landscapes, but this year, there was hardly any snow. We saw a significant number of cancellations, especially from international tourists who had planned their trips expecting snow until March. The decline in foreign visitors, particularly from Europe and Russia, has been steep, and it has hit us hard,” Manzoor Pakthoon, Chairman, Kashmir Houseboat Owners Association (KHOA), tells Media India Group.

The impact on agriculture: A water crisis in the making

Poor snowfall has hurt not the tourism sector, but also, the horticulture industry, yet another significant sector in the regional economy.

Every winter, Kashmir’s fields and mountains receive a heavy blanket of snow, which melts slowly in the summer to replenish the region’s rivers, lakes, and underground water sources. This melting snow is crucial for agriculture, providing the necessary irrigation for the region’s crops.

Farmers in Kashmir are beginning to feel the effects of less snowfall. Without sufficient snowmelt, the rivers and lakes that supply water for irrigation are shrinking, and groundwater levels are dropping, leading to irrigation shortages. The most obvious victim of this is the apple crop, which relies on steady water supplies to thrive. Without enough water, apple trees struggle to produce large, healthy fruit, resulting in smaller, fewer apples that fail to meet market demand.

Khursheed Ahmad, a resident of Baramulla and a prominent apple businessman, is deeply concerned about the challenges that this year’s unusual weather may bring to the apple industry. As an experienced grower, he fears the lack of snowfall and rainfall during the crucial period will have a severe impact on the growth of apple trees. With February coming to an end, Ahmad anticipates that these weather anomalies could lead to lower yields and potential income losses for farmers in the region.

“As an apple grower, I have never seen a season like this. The lack of snowfall and rainfall in January has hit us hard. Without the proper chill, our apple trees are not producing as they should. This will lead to lower yields, higher prices for consumers, and significant income losses for farmers. Kashmir is responsible for nearly 78 pc of India’s apple production, so this weather change is not just a setback for us, but for the entire supply chain,” Ahmad tells Media India Group.

Ahmad emphasised the critical role snowfall plays in the growth of apple trees.

“The lack of snowfall can disrupt the blooming cycle of apple trees, which can further lower the yield and also affect the quality of the fruit. Snow ensures moisture retention in the soil and protects trees from potential disease-causing germs. However, with almost no snow this winter, especially across north Kashmir, we fear moisture deficiency, affected bud development, and disease-hit crops,” Ahmad adds.

The changing weather pattern has caused immense loss to scores of orchardists across Kashmir, as it has significantly reduced apple production. Due to this unpredictable weather, the growers are unable to make a profit.

Javeed Bhat is President of Industries Association of Sopore, which is also known as the Apple Town due to its vast apple production, has expressed deep concerns over the current state of Kashmir’s economy, which heavily relies on horticulture and tourism.

“In Kashmir, our economy heavily depends on two key sectors horticulture and tourism and both are facing serious setbacks this year. The lack of snowfall during the crucial winter months has had a devastating impact. Events like Khelo India, which we were eagerly anticipating, have been postponed, and this is just one example of how tourism has been affected. The real concern, however, lies with our horticulture industry. Every year, we rely on the Chilai Kalan season, which is a 40-day period of heavy snowfall that helps our apple trees thrive. Without this essential snow, our crops are at risk, and the consequences could be disastrous. If we don’t see snow or rain in the next 10 days, we are looking at a major loss for both sectors. We are all hoping for a miracle, but if things don’t change soon, it will be a massive blow to our livelihoods,” Bhat tells Media India Group.

Similarly, rice farming is also under strain. Paddy fields, which need abundant water throughout the summer, have seen water levels drop significantly. In addition, saffron, the prized spice that grows mainly in Pulwama, depends on specific moisture conditions. A lack of snowmelt leads to insufficient irrigation, leading to poor harvests.

Vegetable farmers, who grow crops such as tomatoes and spinach, are also grappling with the effects of less snow. Without a reliable water source, the crops cannot be irrigated properly, leading to poor yields. This is creating a vicious cycle where farmers are left with fewer resources to keep their operations running, and many are struggling to make ends meet.

Water shortage and the threat to livelihoods

The effects of less snow are not limited to agriculture alone. Many communities in Kashmir rely on underground water sources, such as wells and borewells, for drinking water. The lack of snowfall means these water sources are not replenished, leading to the drying up of wells, which causes a severe drinking water crisis in several villages.

Experts have pointed to climate change as the primary cause of this reduced snowfall. As the world warms, weather patterns are becoming more erratic, leading to unpredictable and often insufficient snowfall. Some winters see little to no snow, while others experience sudden heavy snowfalls that create other logistical challenges.

For Kashmir, the effects of reduced snowfall are twofold. Both its agriculture and tourism industries, which are integral to its economy, are facing serious challenges. Farming, particularly apple cultivation, is in crisis, and the decline in tourism is further deepening the economic struggle. The region is in a precarious position, with fewer job opportunities for locals and a shrinking economy that has traditionally relied on these two sectors.