File photoSrinagar- Despite a healthy almond crop this season, farmers in Kashmir are increasingly worried about the long-term impact of climate change after the harvest commenced nearly 20 days earlier than usual. Farmers believe the changing weather pattern is a clear indication of the growing impact of climate change on horticulture in the Valley. According to farmers, although the weather conditions were far from ideal, the almond yield this year has been encouraging compared to previous seasons. Horticulture Department officials acknowledged the changing weather patterns but maintained that the current season has witnessed a satisfactory harvest. However, the early maturity of the crop underscores the growing influence of climate change on Kashmir’s horticulture sector.