Rains lashed many parts of Kashmir on Thursday including plains and higher reaches. Continued bad weather this season has, according to experts, caused an estimated Rs 18 crore loss to agriculture sector.

Meteorological department here warned of light to moderate rains with thundershowers in both the plains and higher reaches at many places during the next 24 hours.

“Rains with thundershowers are possible on Friday and Saturday while on April 20 and 23 skies would remain partly cloudy. However, clear sky is possible on April 21 and 22,” said MeT official.

“Srinagar received 5.2 mm rain while Pahalgam recorded 4.8 mm, Banihal 1.5 mm and Kupwara 1.9 mm,” said a MeT official.

He said no reports of snowfall were received till from any part of Kashmir till late evening.

Maximum and minimum temperature recorded in Srinagar was 14.5 degrees Celsius and 7.8 degrees Celsius respectively. Maximum and minimum temperature recorded in Jammu was 29.2 degrees Celsius and 17.2 degrees Celsius respectively while it remained 12.8 degrees Celsius and minus 0.8 degrees Celsius respectively in Ladakh.

AGRICULTURE AFFECTED

A report prepared by Agriculture Department reveals that inclement weather this season has resulted in an estimated Rs 18.75 crore crop loss in 10 districts of Kashmir.

"We compiled the assessment report and submitted it to Divisional Kashmir for further action," Director Agriculture Kashmir Mushtaq Peerzada told Greater Kashmir.

He said inclement weather conditions could be harmful as the flowering season is approaching.

Source - http://www.greaterkashmir.com/