Kulgam, Aug 12: In a move aimed at reducing crop losses caused by hailstorms, the Horticulture Department in Kulgam is providing anti-hail nets to orchardists at a 50 per cent subsidy, with subsidy assistance extended so far crossing ₹1.30 lakh.

Chief Horticulture Officer Kulgam Muhammad Ramzan Var said the anti-hail nets can be used in both high-density and traditional orchards, allowing growers with different orchard systems to protect their fruit crops from hailstorm damage.
He said orchardists are availing the subsidy, with assistance of ₹14,000 being provided under the scheme for eligible beneficiaries.
The department's initiative is intended to encourage orchardists to install protective netting before the onset of hail-prone weather and reduce the financial losses that can follow damage to fruit-bearing trees.
Hailstorms can cause direct physical damage to fruit and trees, affecting both the current crop and, in some cases, the productive capacity of orchards. The use of anti-hail nets provides growers with a preventive measure against such losses.
The Horticulture Department has been promoting protective measures among orchardists as part of efforts to safeguard fruit production and reduce weather-related risks to the horticulture sector.