Srinagar, April 19 —Kashmir's orchards suffered heavy losses as the
stormy spell that began on Friday unleashed severe hailstorms, lightning, and thunderstorms, causing extensive damage to crops across the region and leaving farmers with major losses.
According to reports, the storm ravaged orchards, stripped trees of fruits, broke branches, and even uprooted entire trees in several districts, including Shopian, Pulwama, Kulgam, Anantnag, Budgam, Baramulla, and Kupwara, leaving fruit growers with major losses.
Locals reported unusually large hailstones that destroyed delicate blossoms and immature fruits in a matter of minutes.
“We have never seen such large hailstones in our lifetime. Our orchards were full of hope. Now everything is destroyed,” said Ghulam Nabi, an orchard owner from Shopian.
The damage to Kashmir's horticulture sector is a major blow to the region’s economy, particularly to its renowned apple industry.
Many farmers, whose livelihoods depend entirely on orchard income, are facing financial ruin.
Bashir Ahmad Bashir, President of the Fruit Growers Association Kashmir, called for urgent government intervention.
"This extreme weather has severely impacted our industry. The lack of crop insurance has compounded our suffering," he said.
The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers and Dealers Union has long advocated for the introduction of a crop insurance scheme to protect farmers from such natural disasters.
"Ninety percent of Kashmir's fruit growers are small-scale operators who rely completely on orchard income. Without crop insurance, they bear the full burden of these losses," Bashir added.
In response to the widespread damage, Sakeena Itoo, Minister for Health and Education, expressed deep concern for the affected farmers.
"This loss is not just of produce, but of months of hard work and hope," Itoo said. The government has mobilized officials to carry out damage assessments in the affected districts and ensure timely compensation for the farmers.
Besides, the minister reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting farmers through various beneficiary-oriented schemes like HADP, RKVY, and KCC.
(KNO Inputs)