Hailstorm damages crops in Tral, farmers incur losses
Story: Mohammad Mufeez
Tral: Bad weather has plunged orchardists in south Kashmir’s Sub district Tral into desperation as the crop has been severely damaged due to intermittent hailstorms and heavy rains.
The apple orchards in Amirabad, Shairabad, Saimoh, Hurdumir, Lariyar, Buchoo, and adjacent villages were destroyd.
The devastating hailstorm has resulted in damage to crops and vegetables. However, the assessment of the total damage was not known immediately destroyed by intermittent hail and windstorms that hit the villages.
However, locals said that orchards suffered heavy damage to agriculture and horticulture crops that are being harvested.
A local farmer said, “The farmers in the valley are busy harvesting pea crops, cherry and strawberry these days. This year, we expected a good crop as our orchards seemed to be abundant in apples, but the hail and heavy rains have not only dashed our hopes, but also left the orchardists in desperation.”
The farmers have appealed the authorities to compensate the loss. Recently, hailstorm had also damaged vegetable fields and fruit orchards at Karmulla, Bathnoor, Basmani, Satoora, and Naargistan areas.
The DDC member of Aripal zone Mr Manzoor Ahmad Ganie said he is deeply concerned over the loss and damage of crops in the area and also appealed the concerned department to send the teams immediately for the assessment of the total damage, and compensation must be given to the affected farmers.
