As hailstorm damages orchards across North Kashmir; G. H. Mir and Irfan Hafiz Lone seek speedy govt relief

Ziraat Times Team Report

Srinagar, May 12: A severe hailstorm caused extensive damage to orchards and agricultural fields in several parts of north Kashmir on Monday, particularly in the areas of Tangmarg, Kreeri, Pattan and surrounding localities, raising concerns among fruit growers over heavy economic losses.

Residents said intense hail accompanied by strong winds struck multiple villages, damaging blooming fruit orchards at a crucial stage of the horticulture season. Orchardists in several affected areas reported destruction of blossoms and young fruit, fearing major losses in apple and other fruit production this year.

Following the damage, Ghulam Hassan Mir called for immediate government intervention and urged authorities to conduct a joint survey through the Revenue and Horticulture departments to assess the losses suffered by farmers.

In a statement, the former minister said the hailstorm had “created havoc” in many areas of Tehsil Tangmarg, Tehsil Kunzer, Tehsil Kwarhama and Tehsil Pattan, and appealed to the administration to initiate a comprehensive damage assessment process without delay.

Meanwhile, Irfan Hafiz Lone expressed solidarity with affected orchardists and termed horticulture the “backbone of the economy” in Kashmir.

He said natural calamities such as hailstorms not only damage crops but also “shatter the collective dreams” of farming families who depend on orchards for their livelihood.

“Being an orchardist, I know how we give our blood and sweat to reap the fruits of hope. This is indeed a very difficult time for us but we need not lose hope,” he said while urging the government to provide immediate support to affected farmers.

Irfan Hafiz Lone also demanded that the administration conduct an immediate assessment of the damage and formulate an appropriate compensation package for orchardists affected by the hailstorm.

Horticulture is one of the major contributors to Kashmir’s economy, with thousands of families dependent on apple cultivation and related activities for income and employment. Frequent weather-related disturbances in recent years have increased concerns among growers over crop vulnerability and financial instability.