Srinagar, Oct. 9 -- The early onset of snowfall this year followed by a sudden rise in daytime temperatures has triggered a rare and troubling phenomenon in some orchards of Kashmir where many almond and pear trees have witnessed premature blooming. What should have been a dormant period for these fruit trees has been disrupted by erratic weather swings that has set off a chain reaction which could have serious consequences for our already fragile horticultural economy that is delicately tuned to the rhythm of our seasons. Almonds, among the first blossoms of spring, usually flower in late February or early March, heralding the change of season. Pears follow soon after. But the unusual pattern this October - early snowfall, a subsequent s...