Inclement weather triggered hailstorm in parts of Kashmir on Tuesday afternoon, causing massive damage to orchards and standing crops in parts of north and central Kashmir.
According to meteorological department, the hailstorm largely affected northern Kashmir’s Kupwara district’s and especially Handwara area, which damaged orchards and standing crops on Tuesday.
Reports said the hailstorm started at around 2:43 p.m. in Mawer Qalamabad Handwara’s Lawoosa, Yahama, Mawer Bala, Sanzipora, Qalamabad, Audoora, Chontipora and Drangsoo shahnagri Villages.
Reports said heavy hailstorm was also reported from parts of central and south Kashmir as well.
Witnesses said the hailstorm that was accompanied by gusty winds and it lasted for about 10 minutes. “The hail has extensively damaged orchards including apple, almond, walnut and cherry besides standing crops, vegetables and paddy saplings,” locals said.
The hailstorm also devastated orchards and other standing crops in Ramhal area hamlets including in Harduna, Lillam, Kuneal, Dharael and Tarathpora.
The affected farmers have appealed the administration to carry out a survey of affected areas and order compensation for those who have been affected by the inclement weather.
Peoples Conference senior vice-president Abdul Gani Vakil Tuesday expressed concern over the damage caused to apple blossom, walnuts, Pears and other standing crops due to heavy hail storm today in upper belt of Rafiabad especially Kangroosa, Chatoosa, Hunaroo, Hachepora, Braman, Balhama, Pazalpora and Panzulla.
In a statement, Vakil demanded comprehensive compensation to the orchardists and farmers who suffered heavy losses due to heavy hailstorm on Tuesday evening.
Vakil said that it is the third turn of a heavy hailstorm which has completely destroyed and damaged standing crops of farmers including all kinds of vegetables,no doubt the natural calamities cause damage to crops of farmers but it has been seen that govt.has always been seen just a silent spectator, the worse affected people had always been assured compensation and even surveys were being conducted. “But no relief reaches to the affected people till today.
Vakil urged the UT government to go for immediate assessment of damages to fruit and other crops and to disburse financial relief to the affected families without any delay as they have already suffered heavy loss in the past due to heavy hailstorm
Agriculture is the backbone of Kashmir’s economy with thousands of families directly or indirectly dependent on their farms to sustain throughout the year. According to one survey, around 35 lakh people are indirectly or directly connected to the sector.
Weather has played spoilsport this year with March recording above normal temperature for many days, which sped up the blossoming season immaturely. With April turning cold, much of the blossom in fruit orchards fell from the trees.