Srinagar: Walking through a dwindling orchard in Budgam, farmer Bashir Ahmad Bhat surveys the thinning rows of almond trees with a heavy heart.

“These trees have been in my family for generations,” he said, tracing his fingers along a barren branch. “But now, the market is flooded with California almonds. Buyers prefer them—they’re cheaper, more abundant. It’s hard to compete.”

Once a known almond grower in the area, Bhat has shifted to apple cultivation, which also didn’t benefit them.

“Almonds were weather-proof. We end up spending a huge sum on spraying and........

© The Kashmir Monitor News