Kupwara, June 1: The hailstorms on Tuesday damaged orchards and standing crops in multiple hamlets of Mawer and Ramhal area of Kupwara, creating havoc among the locals.
The hailstorm caused damage in areas including Lawoosa, Yahama, MawerBala, Sanzipora, Qalamabad, Audoora, Chontipora, Drangsoo and Shahnagri villages and in Ramhal area it caused damage in Harduna, Lillam, Kuneal, Dharael and Tarathpora, leaving the farmers shattered.
“The hailstorm started in the afternoon which lasted for 5 to 10 minutes causing huge loss to orchards including apple, almond, walnut and cherry besides substantially damaging standing crops, vegetables and paddy saplings,” said a local.
Locals said that they were anticipating a good crop this year but their hopes were dashed because of the hailstorm.
They have urged the authorities to chart out a strategy for farmers and accordingly devise some relief plan to compensate the affected farmers.
Chief Horticulture Officer KupwaraFarooq Ahmad told Greater Kashmir that in May, Kupwara district witnessed hailstorms on multiple occasions which has worried the farmers.
He said that since the apple and walnut crop were still in infant stage, it could recover if farmers take proper guidance from the officials of the Horticulture department.