Srinagar, Jan. 14 -- Kashmir's rapidly shrinking paddy land is emerging as a silent but serious crisis, one that threatens the Valley's long-term food security and economic stability. For generations, paddy fields formed the backbone of Kashmir's agrarian economy, ensuring household food needs and providing a buffer against supply disruptions. Today, those fertile stretches are steadily disappearing, replaced by high-density apple orchards, residential colonies, and commercial structures. The shift is understandable but dangerous. Paddy cultivation has become less attractive due to rising labour costs, water management challenges, and comparatively low returns. High-density apple orchards, on the other hand, promise quicker profits and ar...