Mahinder Patyal
Bharmour
Farmers and orchardists in the tribal region of Bharmour subdivision have been grappling with drought conditions for more than two months. Hopes were high that the New Year would bring significant snowfall, but the light flurries and minor snow showers on January 1 left them disappointed once again.
For apple growers, January’s biting cold is crucial to complete the required chilling hours for their orchards. However, the scant snowfall has dashed expectations. The limited precipitation has provided only partial relief to wheat, mustard, and pea crops.
Fresh snowfall was recorded in Bharmour’s upper areas—Kugti, Balmui, Malkauta, Supa, Garima, Ulansa, and Bani—where nearly three inches of snow accumulated. Higher peaks, including the Kartik Swami temple in Kugti, received about half a foot, while the Manimahesh Dal Lake saw close to one foot of fresh snow.
Despite the setback, farmers and orchardists remain hopeful that the weather will eventually meet their expectations.
