Hailstorm ravages orchards in South Kashmir; distressed farmers seek KCC relief 

By: Imtiyaz Shah (Ziraat Times) 

Srinagar: A severe hailstorm tore through several areas of Kashmir, particularly South Kashmir, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake, particularly in the apple orchards.

A strong storm, which struck villages in Shopian and other parts of South Kashmir, has caused significant damage to apple farms, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of farmers already grappling with the challenges of climate change, rising input costs and debt. 

Farmers burdened by KCC loans are among the hardest hit, as their financial obligations amplify the stress of crop losses. The KCC scheme, designed to provide affordable credit for agricultural needs, has become a double-edged sword for many in Kashmir, where natural calamities frequently disrupt repayment plans.

The hailstorm, accompanied by gusty winds, lashed several villages in Shopian district, including Shadab Karewa, Kanipora, Zawoora, Manloo, Narapora, Pargochu, and the main town.

Several farmers who spoke to Ziraat Times said that apple flowers — critical for fruit development at this stage — were severely damaged, jeopardizing hopes for a robust harvest later in the year. The storm’s intensity was such that it not only harmed the delicate apple blossoms but also caused physical damage to trees, with some farmers reporting uprooted or broken branches.

A farmer from Shopian said: “The hailstorm has ruined our apple flowers. With KCC loans hanging over our heads, we need the government to act fast—either waive our loans or provide compensation.” This reflects the urgency and financial strain felt by farmers in the aftermath of the April 18 storm.

While precise data on the total area affected by today’s hailstorm is still emerging, historical patterns provide context. A similar hailstorm in Kulgam district on September 2, 2024, affected 29 villages, with crop damage ranging from 5% to 25% in areas like Kadder, Jogipora, and Check e Hanjan. In 2020, a hailstorm in Kulgam and Shopian caused an average crop loss of over 20%, with some areas reporting up to 30% damage. 

The horticulture sector in Kashmir, which contributes approximately Rs 18,000 crores annually to Jammu and Kashmir’s GDP and employs around 70% of the population, is particularly vulnerable to such weather events.

Apple farming, a cornerstone of this sector, supports nearly 3.5 million farmers and accounts for 78% of India’s annual apple production, totaling 25-26 lakh metric tonnes. The damage to apple flowers and trees threatens not only this year’s yield but also the long-term health of orchards, as broken branches and stressed trees may take years to recover.

The hailstorm is the latest in a series of climate-related challenges for South Kashmir’s apple farmers. Over the past few years, unseasonal snowfall, prolonged dry spells, heatwaves, and hailstorms have repeatedly disrupted production. For instance, a 35% rainfall deficit from June to September 2024 led to reduced fruit quality, pest infestations, and apple scalds, while unseasonal snowfall in June 2024 affected pollination. These erratic weather patterns, linked to climate change, have made farming increasingly unpredictable, with farmers facing recurring losses.

The economic impact is profound. Apple prices have already been under pressure due to competition from imported apples and logistical challenges, such as delays on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. A damaged crop further reduces farmers’ ability to cover input costs—fertilizers, pesticides, and labor—which have risen steadily. For many, the loss of a single season’s harvest can push them deeper into debt, particularly for those reliant on KCC loans.