Abstract
Climate Change has brought disruption all around us. Agriculture and Horticulture are one of the few sectors affected by it, however, are receiving less attention, despite having significant economic implications. The rising temperature continue to affect the agriculture and horticulture crops. Different crops have been impacted differently in terms of some getting costly to grow, soil quality getting depleted, temperature change, etc. Climate change and several supporting factors such as drought, hailstorms, excessive or no rainfall have affected the agriculture and horticulture crops and the overall production. In Jammu and Kashmir, the crops that require specific climatic conditions for them to grow and cultivate have been suffering lately, such as walnuts, saffron, apples, etc. Here in this paper, we discuss the agriculture and horticulture crops that have been poorly affected by climate change in Jammu & Kashmir. This study used secondary sources of key research studies, articles, journals to discuss the impact of climate change on the agriculture and horticulture crops in Jammu & Kashmir with a special focus on the cultivation of walnuts and saffron.
Introduction
Increased temperatures, weather variability, shifting agroecosystem boundaries, invasive crops and pests, and more frequent extreme weather events are all examples of climate change’s detrimental effects. Climate change is diminishing agricultural yields, lowering livestock output, and weakening the nutritional quality of main grains on farms (The World Bank). Each horticultural crop has specific climatic requirements. Unfavorable weather and climatic conditions produce stress, resulting in crop cultivation and production. Temperature influences all physiological activities by controlling Photosynthesis, Respiration, Enzymic activity, flowering, root development, quality, etc.
Light becomes another element for these crops’ production, as low lights can cause poor quality of these crop produce. Every plant has its light requirement, affecting pollen viability and fruit set. Light intensity and duration are essential for crop growth and development.
Rainfall is another factor for the growth and quality of these horticulture crops as water comprises more than 80% of the living plants, providing structural integrity for the plant. Water is a significant determinant of crop productivity and quality and is required in large quantities for plant growth than any other growth factor.
Water is a Solvent for nutrients and minerals and helps germinate seeds. From protecting cold temp (frost) to facilitating harvesting of underground crops in dry soils and cooling the leaves during respiration, rainfall becomes a significant factor in the growth of these crops. Over the years, waterlogging, droughts, storms have been deteriorating the cultivation and harvest of the crops in the J&K region.
Horticultural crops are adapted to wind and a wide range of soil types with specific requirements. These, along with some biotic socio-economic needs, are the factors that would enhance the production of these crops. “Many perennial and annual horticulture plants’ development patterns and capabilities for flowering and fruiting will be altered as a result of climate change. Changed seasonal circumstances impacting dormancy, acclimation, and subsequent blooming and fruiting are anticipated to produce significant problems for perennial fruit crops in some areas. Elsewhere, these crops may benefit from the effects of climate change due to reduced cold damage and increased length of the growing season” (Dixon and Bhattacharya, 2019).
A warming world is affecting crops production across the globe-effects of climate change on food security. “Many horticulture crops can be grown in varied soils and climates in several agro-ecological zones across the world. Fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other ornamental plants, medicinal and aromatic plants, spices, condiments, plantation crops, and mushrooms make up a large portion of global agricultural production.” (S. Datta) Rise in atmospheric temperature, changes in precipitation patterns, excess UV radiation and higher incidence of extreme weather events like heat, salinity, droughts, and floods are emerging major threats for horticulture. Several horticulture crops have been affected due to the rising temperature.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2009), rising temperatures, droughts, floods, desertification, and weather extremes would have a significant impact on agriculture, particularly in poor countries. Climate change convergence will have an impact on global food security.
Regional Context:
Jammu and Kashmir is a region enriched with various agricultural production, which is also the predominant sector of its economy, supporting nearly 80% of the population. Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh are the three agro-climatic zones; each has its own unique geo-climatic conditions that influence cropping patterns and productivity (J&K Development Report). Climate change has brought in significant changes in the production and quality of these crops and in the lives of farmers who rely on these crops’ produce. According to the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Government of Jammu and Kashmir’s Annual publication 2013-14, climate change has affected the production of major crops in the region such as rice, maize, wheat, barley, pulses, and oilseeds, along with various fruits. These flowering crops are badly affected by the challenging climatic conditions. Recently floods destroyed the apple and other fruits quality and quantity in multiple parts of the state. The studies revealed that people’s livelihood is worse due to the present climate. The fruits such as apple, saffron, and walnut are the major source of income for the Kashmiri population, which has led a large population to the brink of either opting out of farming these crops or changing their profession for livelihood (Wani & Bhatt, 2015).
The high temperature in Kashmir and the mid-temperature in Jammu have affected the horticulture crops. “Horticulture crops are plant agriculture dealing with garden plants (fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants).” J&K horticulture production has been facing the brunt of climate change. Its effect can be seen in the decrease in crop production, quality of specific crops, and their market in recent years. Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare data Jammu and Kashmir data was reported at “3,912.910 Ton in 2020. This records a decrease from the previous number of 3,936.230 Ton for 2019.” Walnuts, Saffron, and Apples are some of the horticulture crops in the valley that have declined rapidly due to change in climate, imports of a cheaper variety of crops, and poor irrigation.
Impact of Climate Change on horticulture crops:
The low precipitation and high temperature due to the rapid increase in the temperature due to climate change have brought down the produce and market of horticulture crops. In Jammu & Kashmir regions, the production of horticulture crops such as Saffron, Walnuts, Apples, and agriculture crops including wheat, maize, and rice have decreased. Many villages and farmers who were solely dependent on the horticulture crops and towns known for particular crop production have been in strain due to the change and loss brought by Climate Change. A detailed analysis of two such crops – Saffron & Walnuts is studied below –
Saffron – Pampore, a small town known as India’s “saffron town/capital,” has suffered badly due to climate change. Saffron production and the overall produce have deteriorated. Without rainfall, saffron production is sure to see a downfall in its production. In Kashmir, the saffron crop is primarily dependent on precipitation. If rains are received during the sprouting and pre-flowering stages, flowering is optimum, and saffron production is good,” Ganaie and Singh observed in their study (2019). Insufficient rainfall has resulted in the state’s lowest productivity in the last two to three decades. It was observed in the state which experienced severe drought from 1999 to 2003 (Alam, 2007), productivity fell from 3.12 kg/ha to 1.57 kg/ha during this time. However, in 2004-05, favorable rainfall improved productivity also to 2.96 kg/ha. As in the winter season, snow covers the saffron fields and continuously provides moisture to the corms up to the next spring season, and the corms do not get affected and remain healthy. During the winter (dormant) season, corms must have optimal moisture levels; otherwise, they will become infected and fail to produce the outgrowth. When the initial hoeing is done in the spring, the soil is aerated, and following the first hoeing, the fields require time to time rain showers till flowering. For precipitation, mountainous parts of the valley have shown a drastic decrease (10.3 mm/year). In contrast, flood plains have shown a relatively lower rate of decrease of 3.6 mm/year with foothills and Karewa’s having moderate rate of decrease 6.3 and 5.8 mm/year, respectively (Shafiq et al. 2018). “Drought-like circumstances, erratic rainfall, and little irrigation are the key reasons for the drop in saffron output,” said Dr. Amjad Hussaini, a SKAUST scientist, adding that the pattern of rainfall had changed owing to climate change, which had severe impacts on it.
The low production, changes in the quality of saffron, and the constant decline in its production have led many farmers to opt for other sources of livelihood and have changed their profession accordingly or have switched to farming some other crop. The production of Kashmiri saffron has decreased by 65 percent in the last two decades, from 16 metric tonnes to 5.6 metric tonnes, according to the Department of Agriculture Kashmir. Thus, the decline is visible to stakeholders, and efficient and effective measures are required to secure saffron cultivation. From getting the people’s attention and awareness on the current issue and its consequences to effective implementation of policies for the cultivation and production of the crop are required to protect these crops and the towns dependent on them.
Walnuts: Climate change menace has led to farming communities looking for alternate high-value cropping systems instead of existing crops such as walnuts. Jammu and Kashmir is the major production state of walnut in India, but its production has decreased due to the region’s high temperature and less rainfall. Walnuts grow in cool climatic conditions with an 800mm annual rain suitable for optimum growth and yield. According to a study by Mir & Kottaiveeran (2018), “walnut production benefits from a temperate climate structure; otherwise, its trees are damaged in the cold winters and bloom flowering with immature nuts injured due to spring frosts.” Jammu and Kashmir is India’s most famous walnut and apple producer, and its average share of the total Indian production is growing. India is the world’s eighth-largest walnut producer, with Jammu and Kashmir accounting for 92 percent of the total. The state benefits from its exclusive status as a producer of walnuts, pears, and almonds, among other things. The state produces over 75 percent of India’s temperate fruits. Jammu and Kashmir produced 86,263 tonnes of walnuts over 61,723 hectares, exporting 92 percent of walnuts. The economy of Jammu and Kashmir is based on the export of fruits. In 2015, the state was the leading producer and exporter of walnuts, with a global market share of roughly 7% (Department of Horticulture). Data from the Directorate of Horticulture Jammu & Kashmir shows that although Kashmir has a walnut monopoly, problematic conditions are growing by the day. As a result, the walnut industry’s expansion and enhancement have lost confidence in recent years. In 2007-08, the Kashmir valley, including the Ladakh districts of Leh and Kargil, had an output share of 82.92 percent, compared to 34.63 percent for Jammu Table 1. However, in 2016-17, the same Kashmir area shrunk its margin to 65.36 percent.
Table 1: Area and Production of Walnut.
| Region | Area | Growth Rate | Production | Growth Rate | ||
| 2007-08 | 2016-17 | 2007-08 | 2016-17 | |||
| Jammu | 33259 (40.53) | 38318 (42.89) | 15.21 | 25067 (17.07) | 92227 (34.63) | 267.92 |
| Kashmir | 48786 (59.46) | 51021 (57.10) | 4.58 | 121712 (82.92) | 174054 (65.36) | 43.00 |
| Jammu & Kashmir | 82045 | 89339 | 8.89 | 146779 | 266281 | 81.41 |
Source: Directorate of Horticulture Jammu and Kashmir (2017)
For the last two decades in this high altitude, states average mean temperature has risen from 1.450C to 2.320C, effecting verdant of high chill needing fruits like walnut (Mir & Kottaiveeran, 2018) and climate change causing droughts, depleting glaciers, increased temperature, changes in rainfall patterns, heavy snowfall are the factors affecting the cultivation and production of these crops which is a call for attention and urgent steps to be taken.
Policymaking Suggestions & Measures:
Jammu & Kashmir, with its immense potential for the productivity, quality, and expansion of horticulture crops such as saffron and walnuts, can act as a catalyst for the growth of these crops in India. With its enormous potential for the productivity, quality, and spread of horticulture crops like saffron and walnuts, Jammu & Kashmir can function as a catalyst for their growth in India. The results achieved would be beneficial not only for these agricultural production sectors, but it could also serve as a model for other parts of the world to adapt to climate change with the right policies and measures adopted in its cultivation and production to counter the effects brought on by climate change. Comprehensive knowledge of the causes and management strategies for various physiological disorders in tropical and subtropical fruits will not only help fruit growers produce higher-quality fruit, but it will also help researchers come up with new ways to control these disorders through biotechnological interventions, breeding strategies, or understanding the physiological basis to overcome them. With this information in mind, there is a pressing need to comprehend the physiological factors that cause these disorders, which are impeding our country’s quality production and export potential, as well as the need to employ a different management approach, as described in this chapter, to address each disorder. (Kumar & Kumar, 2007).
- Awareness & Sensitization programs among farmers and the local community about climate change and how it is affecting the crops in their areas, what methods they can adopt to reduce the damage
- Use of best practices for water conservations such as sprinkle irrigation.
- Cultivation of crops suitable as per the climate change
- Efficient & Effective implementation of state/centre policies for climate change and agricultural production such as the National Saffron Mission, including inputs from the local farmers’ community
- Engagement of stakeholders to protect these crops, overall efforts should be made by involving all segments of society and working closely with all stakeholders involved in this industry.
- Introducing Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice in the regions where crops & agricultural production is affected due to global warming & climate change
- Horticulture cultivators and experts should meet regularly to solve problems in the production fields.
- Allocation of scarcity resources in proper and timely method (Mir & Kottaiveeran, 2018)
- To enhance our preparedness for climate change and formulate a sound action plan, we need to identify gaps in vital information and prioritize research issues from farmers, policy planners, scientists, trade, and industry. It is imperative to visualize likely changes in the next 50-100 years. In this regard, all the stakeholders, viz., the state’s farm universities (SKUAST-J & SKUAST-K), Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (CITH), and horticulture departments are already working in synergy. There is great hope that the state will usher on the path of progress and prosperity in horticulture with their efforts, which is the ultimate aim.
- According to the Jammu & Kashmir Development Report, “A comprehensive review of cropping patterns and shift to fruits and vegetables is required. For example, Punjab launched a crop diversification plan, and across the globe, several diversification, cultivation plans are being implemented that need to be done and applied here.”
The threat of climate change can be converted by innovative research methods in agriculture, such as the development of heat-tolerant cultivars and adjustment in production system management (Singh 2018, Malhotra & Srivastava 2014).
To overcome the challenges and issues brought in the agricultural sector by climate change, from sensitization & awareness on the topic to innovative research & technology can be helpful and bring back the lost production and quality of a crop.
Conclusion
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice – these three steps are crucial when bringing in a positive result. “Knowledge is the capacity to acquire, retain and use information; a mixture of comprehension, experience, discernment, and skill. Attitude refers to inclinations to react in a certain way to a certain situation, see and interpret events according to certain predispositions, or organize opinions into coherent and interrelated structures. By Practice, we mean applying rules and knowledge that leads to action. Good Practice is an art linked to the progress of knowledge and technology.” (Bano, Rafia 2013). Once the knowledge is gained and passed on, all the stakeholders involved, from the local community to policymakers, adopt a certain acknowledgment attitude. Everyone involved would then do the practice of adapting to new changes and bringing in the new methods adopted to counter/reduce the effect of climate change damage on these crops.
Acknowledging the adversarial effect of Climate Change on agricultural production should be the first step in overcoming the challenges. Once we recognize the differences, we will be at a better stage to develop the solutions. Getting stakeholders’ attention to the growing challenges can help establish policies and measures that can produce desirable results when implemented efficiently and effectively. The best methods such as greenhouse technologies, and developing heat-tolerant measures could save the agriculture and horticulture crops. Still, acknowledging the issues and challenges posed by the climate change is essential before these practices.
References:
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- World Famous Kashmiri saffron continues to decline –
- Government of Jammu & Kashmir Horticulture Department –
https://horticulture.jk.gov.in/
- Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare –
- Nabi, Safina 2020 –
- Analysis of Saffron Industry of Kashmir-
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