Srinagar, Oct. 27 -- Apple cultivation in Kashmir is more than an agricultural pursuit - it is heritage, culture, and the foundation of rural livelihood. Over seven lakh families depend directly or indirectly on this industry, contributing over Rs. 10,000-15,000 crore annually to the region's economy. Yet this lifeline of the valley stands at a critical turning point. Climate change, once a theoretical concern, is now an everyday reality reshaping Kashmir's orchards, productivity, and livelihoods.The climate over the past two years has turned dramatically inconsistent. In 2025, regions once immune to hailstorms - including Pulwama, Anantnag, Sopore, and Ganderbal - were battered by severe hail that shredded canopies and flattened orchards...