Hailstorm aftermath: Govt deputes teams to access damage to Horticulture sector

Tyquan Clark

Kupwara, May 26  The authorities in Jammu and Kashmir Friday said that they have deputed teams on the ground to access the situation caused due to the heavy intensity of the hailstorm. Also, the report collected shall be shared with the revenue department for compensation to those affected.

Director Horticulture Kashmir G R Mir Friday visited parts of the Kupwara district in the northern belt. The visit was given the heavy volume of gutsy winds followed by high-intensity hail storms in the aforementioned district on Thursday. The hailstorm has caused a heavy volume of damage to both horticulture and agricultural works ongoing.

Talking to reporters in Langate, Handwara the Director as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that parts of Kashmir valley including both north and south Kashmir witnessed heavy hailstorms. “Areas in north Kashmir were reported to have experienced a heavy hailstorm.”

In Trehgam’s belt, he said that the fruit has suffered up to 70 per cent damage due to hailstorms. “Apple, Cherry, Apricot, Walnut, and many other fruits have suffered immense damage. The hailstorm was of very high intensity leading to damage,” he said.

The Director said that even the fruit still on tree branches is damaged. “Advisories about safety sprays have already been issued but that is subject to weather conditions,” he said, adding that teams have been sent to all areas across Kashmir valley to assess the situation. “Directions have been issued to officers to visit the affected areas. Teams are on field visits to access everything,” he said. “There is a threat of scabs followed by a hailstorm to fruit trees. Teams on the field remain in touch with the growers to advise them about safety measures. We work for the good of people,” the director said.

Earlier in the day the director visited the Trehgam belt inKupwaraa, where he interacted with the fruit growers and others associated with horticulture activities.

About the damage, he said that his team is accessing the condition and there is no denying in accepting that the growers have suffered damage.

“In some orchards, about 70% of the fruit suffered damage. An Advisory has already been issued about preventive measures. A lot of the precautionary measures depend on stable weather conditions as well,” he said. “The damage caused is being accessed. It will be shared with the revenue department. As per norms the compensation after proper assessment shall be given to those affected.”

“Things like this continue to happen. People shouldn’t lose their hearts. Similar things have happened in the past too. Important is to safeguard all that is left and not panic,” he said while advising people to not to lose hope.