Arjumand Wani

With acacia nectar failing and migratory colonies under stress, Kashmir’s honey crisis is raising alarms for apple orchards that depend heavily on bees for pollination across the valley. Erratic rainfall and sharp temperature swings have devastated honey production across Kashmir this season, with some beekeepers reporting losses of up to 90 per cent after weather disruptions badly affected the valley’s crucial acacia bloom.

Beekeepers across Kashmir say erratic rain and temperature swings have sharply reduced honey production this season. Some producers reported losses of up to 90%, with the valley’s important acacia bloom badly disrupted. Experts say the decline is linked to climate change, pesticide use, cold spells during the bloom season and the stress of seasonal hive migration. The fall has raised wider concerns for Kashmir’s orchards, where honeybees play a major role in pollination.

India, July 23 -- Beekeepers across Kashmir say erratic rain and temperature swings have sharply reduced honey production this season. Some producers reported losses of up to 90%, with the valley's important acacia bloom badly disrupted. Experts say the decline is linked to climate change, pesticide use, cold spells during the bloom season and the stress of seasonal hive migration. The fall has raised wider concerns for Kashmir's orchards, where honeybees play a major role in pollination.