In Ladakh, a region known for its harsh and arid nature, apricots are fundamental to survival, the local economy, and cultural identity. These trees play a critical role as fresh fruit is consumed in the summer, while dried apricots provide the population with nutrients during long winter months.
Ladakh is the country's largest apricot producer, supplying 62% of India's total harvest, according to government data. In the high-altitude desert landscape, where the growing season is short, apricot trees are integrated into daily life. Beyond nutrition, they serve as a source of income for rural families who sell surpluses, including dried fruits, oil, jams, and juices.
These trees are often passed down through generations, acting as markers of lineage and land ownership. Stamba Gyaltsan, co-founder of the social enterprise Ladakh Orchards, emphasizes the cultural significance, noting that apricot dessert (Phating) is Ladakh's only traditional dessert, and the fruits themselves are used as gifts and offerings.
However, climate change poses a serious threat to this interdependence. Uneven and intensified precipitation, along with reduced winter snow cover, is transforming the fragile ecosystem. Sonam Lotus, director of the Indian Meteorological Department in Jammu and Kashmir, reported that heavy and intense rainfall last year led to massive losses of apricot blossoms, particularly in July and August.
Apricots are well-adapted to Ladakh's dry climate, requiring relatively little water. The seeds are also used to produce apricot oil, which is applied in culinary, medical, and cosmetic uses, making apricots a self-sufficient food system for households.
Extreme weather conditions disrupt traditional agricultural practices. Anuja Dasgupta notes that traditional farming is closely tied to seasonal rhythms, but rapidly changing timelines make forecasting impossible. Last year, when snow and rain fell in April, Ladakh Orchards faced serious production challenges, and many farmers in the Sham and Aryan valleys lost up to 40-50% of their harvest.
According to local scientist Kunzang Lamo, if such sharp weather changes continue, temperate fruits like apricots will have to be grown at higher altitudes. Data from the Indian Meteorological Department shows that in August 2025, Ladakh recorded a historic volume of precipitation—nearly 930% above normal—making it the wettest August in observational history.
AP Dimri, director of the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, suggested that the cause of unpredictable rainfall may be 'western disturbances,' which are now gaining more energy due to climate change and reaching Ladakh, unlike previous patterns.
Gyaltsan expresses concern over the unpredictability of the season, noting that flowering occurred earlier in 2026 due to unexpectedly warm April without snow, and hopes this will not affect future harvests.
Climate change and water scarcity have become critical factors for the global agricultural sector. Analysts view Uzbekistan as one of the potentially strong exporters of fruit and vegetable products, but this is only possible with increased investment in irrigation systems and the adoption of climate-resilient technologies.
According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), natural disasters caused $3.26 trillion in damage to agriculture between 1991 and 2023, resulting in the loss of 2.8 billion tons of fruits and vegetables.
Katerina Zvereva, head of the international platform EastFruit and an agribusiness specialist, emphasizes that climate threats are no longer temporary problems but are now a key element determining profitability and investment directions in the industry. The expert noted that since drought is responsible for 54% of losses in European agriculture, water inevitably becomes one of the most important strategic resources in fruit and vegetable production.
According to her forecasts, by 2030, the availability of a reliable irrigation system could influence producers' competitiveness even more significantly than the size of their agricultural land.
Researchers note that Uzbekistan is one of the fastest-growing fruit and vegetable markets in Central Asia. The country is actively increasing the volume of production and export of crops such as cherries, table grapes, stone fruits, and vegetables. Uzbekistan's advantages include low labor costs, high production potential, and existing investments in logistics, cold storage facilities, and modern warehouses.
The country's strengthening position in the global fruit and vegetable market depends on continued investment in climate-resilient methods and irrigation.
The further development of the agricultural sector is directly linked to the efficiency of water resource management. Uzbekistan, along with Spain, Italy, Morocco, Egypt, and Turkey, is among the group of countries where fruit and vegetable production is extremely sensitive to water availability. In the coming years, access to modern irrigation systems will determine the sustainability of plantations, crop selection, final cost, and overall business profitability.
According to experts, the global market is moving towards a new paradigm where producers who can effectively use water, implement advanced irrigation methods, and create developed infrastructure for export and storage will gain an advantage.
Previously, three state agencies of Uzbekistan approved the Concept of Integrated Water Resource Management of the Lower Amu Darya. This document aims to minimize environmental risks, preserve ecosystems, and ensure rational water use.
