Monday, 10 FEBRUARY 2025 | PNS | BAGESHWAR
The popular fruit kafal generally ripens during April but climatic changes have resulted in this fruit ripening even before the end of winter in parts of Kumaon and regions. Former head of the geography department at Kumaun University in Nainital, Prakash Chandra Tiwari says that due to global warming, the sensitivity of trees to the rising temperatures also rises.
It is pertinent to mention here that the winter temperatures did not drop much and for long this time due to factors like reduced rain and snowfall during this winter.
Changes in weather have affected the ripening of kafal. It is already being sold in the market in the Lohaghat region of Champawat district. Journalist Dinesh Pandey says that in the remote forests of Lohaghat, ripe kafals are being seen on the trees which is surprising the locals too. Concerned citizens opine that early ripening of this fruit is a result of climatic changes.
Experts point out that cutting of trees in the mountains and the increased use of concrete and other materials for constructions and roads is causing warmer winters every year. The maximum and minimum temperatures during the winter are rising every year, they state. People associated with the kafal business say that its current price is Rs 200 per kilogramme which drops to about Rs 80 per kilogramme during season when the fruit is in abundance.
