Apricot farmers in Ladakh are grappling with a major setback after untimely snowfall in April 2025 damaged their crops during the critical blooming phase. This unusual weather event has put the upcoming harvest in jeopardy, impacting hundreds of farmers who depend on apricot cultivation as their primary source of income.
Unseasonal Snowfall Hits Apricot Blooming Phase
Devastating natural disaster hits Kargil, causing heavy damage to apricot trees — the backbone of the tribal farmers’ economy. Years of hard work lost overnight. Urgent need for special aid & support to help affected farmers rebuild. #Kargil #Ladakh #DisasterRelief #icar pic.twitter.com/sTImvegqvF
— kvk kargil2 (@KvkKargil2) April 22, 2025
Ladakh’s apricot season typically starts in early spring, with trees beginning to bloom in March and April. However, a sudden spell of snow in mid-April caught farmers off guard and blanketed flowering trees. According to ETV Bharat, this unexpected weather event severely damaged the delicate blossoms needed for fruit formation.
Also Read: Ladakh’s Lifeline Zojila Pass Reopens In Record 32 Days, Thanks To Impressive Work By BRO
Farmers in the Leh and Kargil districts, known for producing some of the finest apricots in the country, have expressed grave concern. The blooming stage is critical in apricot farming, and the snowfall has stunted natural pollination. If the blossoms fail to mature, the fruit yield drops significantly.
Economic Blow To Ladakh Apricot Farmers
In Ladakh, apricot orchards were damaged during their peak flowers by untimely snow brought on by western disturbance and changing climatic trends. Many farmers have already lost money this spring. Hope the Govt. will provide the impacted villages with the appropriate relief. pic.twitter.com/OQnN13dlDn
— Dr. Sonam Wangchok (@sonam_wangchok) April 21, 2025
The apricot trade has seen promising growth in Ladakh, with exports making their way to international markets in recent years. In 2022, Ladakh exported 35 metric tonnes of fresh apricots to Singapore, Mauritius, and Vietnam, as reported by The Print. Farmers had anticipated an even better yield in 2025.
Also Read: ‘Unreal Beauty!’ User’s Documentary On Aurora In Ladakh Takes The Internet By Storm
Now, their hopes are fading. Apricot farming contributes substantially to the local economy, and this disruption could have lasting financial effects. Many farmers had invested in expanding their orchards, installing drip irrigation, and adopting better packaging methods to increase their market reach.
This setback could reverse progress and push small-scale farmers into debt, particularly those without crop insurance.
Urgent Appeal For Government Intervention
Recent snowfall has badly damaged apricot trees in our village which is our main source of income. We kindly request you sir to visit and assess the damage and provide relief. We are hopeful for your support in this difficult time @dc_Kgl @ZakirHussain078 @lg_ladakh @DIPR_Kargil pic.twitter.com/zIMFjmgMlr
— Ansar hussain (@RangyulS) April 20, 2025
Local farmers have urged authorities to assess the extent of crop damage and provide immediate relief. They are demanding compensation, short-term loans, and the expansion of weather-based crop insurance schemes. Farmers’ associations also stress the need for long-term solutions, including research into weather-resilient apricot varieties.
As reported by ETV Bharat, agricultural officers have begun initial assessments, but farmers say that immediate financial support is essential to recover from this blow. Without government backing, Ladakh apricot farmers risk losing not just a season’s harvest but years of hard work and investment.
Cover Image Courtesy: @KvkKargil2 / X & Canva Pro