Budgam, September 12: A sudden hailstorm accompanied by strong winds during the intervening night caused damage to standing crops and orchards in parts of Beerwah in Budgam district, leaving farmers concerned over significant losses and urging the administration to assess the damage at the earliest.

The hailstorm struck the area suddenly, affecting agricultural fields and fruit orchards. Farmers said the hail and strong winds damaged fruit-bearing trees, standing crops and other agricultural produce.

According to the affected farmers, the damage has occurred at a crucial stage of the agricultural season when they were expecting returns after months of hard work and investment. They said an immediate assessment was needed to determine the actual extent of the losses.

Farmers have urged the concerned departments to dispatch assessment teams to the affected areas and conduct an on-ground survey of the damaged fields and orchards. They said timely documentation of the losses would help authorities determine the assistance required by affected farming families.

The farmers have also appealed to the administration to provide compensation or relief under applicable government provisions, saying financial support would help them cope with the economic impact of the weather-related damage.

They urged authorities to expedite the assessment process and ensure that eligible affected farmers receive necessary assistance after the losses are formally assessed.

Further details regarding the extent of damage and any official assessment by the administration are awaited.