Severe Hailstorm Destroys Fruit, Veg and Paddy Crops in Kashmir
Total losses to fruit, vegetable and paddy crops have been reported after a powerful hailstorm tore through Kashmir late last week, according to official assessments.
Over 30 districts were badly affected in the widespread storm, including Central Kashmir’s Budgam District.
Chief Agricultural Officer of Budgam, Shair Ahmad reports that 100 villages have lost their entire crop in Budgam alone.
“I have apple orchards over thirty kanals of land, but the hailstorm damaged them completely,” said Budgam farmer Abdul Ahad Bhat.
Hail storm hits parts of Budgam and Baramulla district – https://t.co/xpl2IRkffn pic.twitter.com/ff8hYbfITF
— Current News Service (@cnskashmir) September 13, 2018
The Apple rich town of Sopore was also hit.
“More than 35% loss has been caused to the crops in these areas. Mostly apples were affected by the hailstorm,” said Chief Agricultural Officer for Sopore, Farooq Ahmad.
He said that the agriculture department has issued an advisory to farmers, “We will soon make available medicines so that the less-affected crops do not damage further.”
Hundreds of farmers have suffered total losses, many are demanding compensation following the unexpected storm.
GSM
Just a little bruised is all.