A hailstorm, accompanied by heavy rains, hit several parts of the Rafiabad area in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Sunday. The effects were disturbing for the apple orchards of several villages. The affected areas include the villages of Watergam, Dangiwacha and Zaingeer area of Sopore. Local growers were visibly upset: “It is a huge loss. The vegetable crop and apple orchards, which are in early stage have suffered massive damage” said Farooq Ahmad of Watergam Rafiabad. President of the Fruit Growers Association Fruit Mandi Sopore, Kaka Ji, said the high intensity hailstorm has destroyed apples in at least around a dozen villages of Rafiabad area: “The apple crop is in the early stage and this hailstorm has inflicted major damage. The apple growers are devastated and estimated loss is in the tens of millions.” Source - https://www.freshplaza.com