At least 40 to 70 percent losses have been caused to fruit crops of Kashmir division due to hailstorm and natural calamities, Minister for Horticulture Raman Bhalla informed the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.

He however said no loss has occurred to the fruit crops in Jammu division due to hailstorm during the ongoing year.

In response to a question by CPI-M legislator MY Tarigami, the Minister said that 60 to 70 percent damage was caused to crops in Kulgam and Qaimoh areas, 50 percent damage in Baramulla, more than 50 percent damage in Wattergam, Lasser, Achabal and Chijhama.

The minister said 50 percent damage was caused in Shopian, Imam Sahib and Kulgam Yaripora to the crops, 50 to 60 percent damage in Harman, Malikgund, Zainavoat and Baderhama and 55 percent losses to the fruit crops was recorded in Chrar-I-Sharief, besides 40 to 50 percent damages were recorded in Anantnag (Islamabad), Shangus and Chagun, an official statement said.

The Minister said damage report of Kulgam district for providing relief to the fruit growers have been submitted to the District Development Commissioner and compensation would be paid as per provisions of Natural Calamity Relief Fund by Revenue Department.

Source - http://greaterkashmir.com/