Srinagar, Apr 06: A sudden and intense hailstorm battered several villages across South Kashmir’s Shopian and Kulgam districts on Monday, causing damage to apple orchards at a crucial flowering stage, leaving growers distressed and demanding immediate government intervention and compensation.
The hailstorm, which lasted nearly 20 minutes, struck areas including Feeripora, Mandujan, Pudsoo, Saidpora, Adijan, Kanjiullar, Nihama, Ramhama, DH Pora, Manzgam, Chogalpora, Rambhama, Ladgoo, Samnoo, and Bathipora, flattening delicate blossoms and raising fears of a severely affected harvest season.
Local orchardists described the situation as alarming, stating that the timing of the hailstorm could not have been worse.
“This is the flowering stage, and it is very critical for fruit set. Hailstones hitting the flowers mean they won’t survive. The chances of recovery are very rare,” said a grower from Shopian.
Another orchardist from Kulgam echoed similar concerns, estimating heavy losses. “I think nearly 90 percent of the flowers have been damaged. The hail continued for around 20 minutes, and its impact will not only be seen this year but could affect the next season as well,” he said.
Growers said that the flowering phase determines the eventual yield, and any damage at this stage directly translates into reduced production.
“Horticulture is our backbone, and such weather events are devastating. We were expecting a good season, but this hailstorm has shattered our hopes,” said another farmer from DH Pora. “We urge the government to assess the damage on the ground and provide adequate compensation to the affected growers.”
The spell of erratic weather now has added to the worries of farmers in the region, who are already grappling with climate uncertainties and rising input costs.
Experts in the horticulture sector also note that damage to blossoms significantly reduces fruit formation, making recovery difficult even with subsequent favorable weather.
Growers have appealed to the administration and the horticulture department to conduct an immediate survey of the affected areas and extend financial assistance to mitigate their losses.
Meanwhile, a sudden and intense hailstorm lashed several upper areas of Bandipora district, damaging standing crops and causing losses to farmers, officials said.
The worst-hit areas included Arin and Dardpora, where large stretches of orchards were battered by heavy hailstones.
Locals said the brief but severe storm flattened crops, particularly orchards and early-season produce, leaving farmers distressed at a time when they were expecting a good yield.
“Within minutes, everything was destroyed. We had invested our savings in these fields, and now there is nothing left to harvest,” a farmer from Arin said.
Another resident said, “This is our only source of livelihood. The government must step in and compensate us for the losses we have suffered.”
Farmers demanded immediate assessment and compensation, stating that many families in the affected areas depend entirely on agriculture for survival.
“We are already struggling, and such disasters push us further into crisis. Authorities should conduct a proper survey and provide relief without delay,” a local from Dardpora said.
Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, visited the affected areas and assessed the damage. She directed the concerned departments to carry out a detailed assessment of the losses. (KNO)
