The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday directed the district administration of Kulgam and Shopian to assess the extent of damage to orchards caused by a severe hailstorm that battered several villages in south Kashmir on Friday evening.
The hailstorm inflicted extensive damage on fruit crops at a crucial stage of their growth, raising concerns among growers about significant yield losses. The storm was particularly harsh in the apple-rich belt of Shopian, which damaged the blooming flowers in orchards.
Former Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said the hailstorm wreaked havoc on fruit orchards across the valley leaving farmers devastated.
“Horticulture is the backbone of our economy & has consistently supported the region even in the most difficult times. Urge the government to immediately deploy assessment teams to evaluate the extent of the damage & provide all possible assistance to the affected farmers,” she said on X.
Former minister and President, Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party Altaf Bukhari said the hailstorm potentially threatens the upcoming harvest.
“Reports from various parts of Shopian district indicate that intense hailstorms have caused extensive damage to the delicate apple blossoms in orchards, potentially threatening the upcoming harvest I urge the administration to deploy official teams to the affected areas for a thorough assessment of the damage. It is also imperative that agricultural experts provide timely guidance to farmers to help mitigate the impact on the crop yield,” Bukhari said.
J&K Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo expressed deep concern over the widespread damage caused by hailstorm which severely impacted orchards and farmlands in several areas of Kulgam and Shopian districts.
“This weather calamity has dealt a significant blow to thousands of orchardists and farmers, many of whom are completely relying on the upcoming harvest season for their livelihood. ?The loss is not just of produce, but of months of hard work and hope”, Sakeena said.
The Minister said that the administration of affected districts have been mobilized and directed to carry out immediate ground assessments of damages caused and ensure timely compensation is provided.
She further said that relevant departments have been directed to prioritize transparent coordination with local representatives and community leaders to expedite assessment of losses and necessary compensation to affected families.
