A hailstorm struck apple-growing villages in Shopian and Kulgam districts, adding to worries of growers already facing erratic weather this season.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the storm lasted 3–5 minutes in Shopian’s Ramnagri, Heerpora and town areas with minimal damage, farmers said. However, Kulgam’s Kund belt saw a 5–7 minute spell that damaged orchards.
This follows an April 18 hailstorm that hit flowering trees hard in both districts. “Back-to-back weather events are increasing anxiety,” said a Kulgam grower, citing unseasonal warmth, sudden cold, and rain.
With no crop insurance safety net, farmers fear major financial losses. “Any damage now impacts our whole year’s earnings,” one said.
Apple farming is vital to Kashmir’s economy. Growers urged authorities to assess losses, provide compensation, and introduce effective crop insurance to shield them from frequent weather shocks.
Source - https://kmsnews.org
