This spring when unexpected heavy snowfall destroyed white blooms of almonds in Kashmir, a bumper harvest was the last thing on anyone’s mind.

But favourable weather conditions in mid-spring and winter soon followed and six months later, the almond yield is all set to touch 15,000 metric tonnes — the highest-ever in the Valley.

Right since the beginning of this year, almond trees across Kashmir valley were in full bloom, holding out a promise of bounteous production.

“The heavy snowfall in winters followed by pleasant spring had a good impact on the productivity of almond crop,” said Ghulam Hassan Dar, who owns a big almond orchard in Khiram village of south Kashmir.

“The almond bloom was so heavy this year that despite damages, there has been a good harvest,” he said. “After many years, the growers are experiencing such a good almond crop.”

Across the Valley, growers start plucking almonds from the first week of September. Around 16,000 to 18,000 hectares of land is under almond cultivation here.

Director, Horticulture, Kashmir, M S Qasba is optimistic about a record production this year. “The conducive weather conditions are responsible for a good almond harvest this year,” he said.

“Compared to previous year’s, our estimates indicate that thousands of tonnes of more almonds will be produced in Kashmir this time around.”

Officials say the almond production was around 11, 000 metric tonnes in 2007.

Kashmir produces two varieties of almond -- hard and paper shell. While the first variety is found in every part of Kashmir, the later is grown in south and central Kashmir in abundance.

... contd.