Monday’s hailstorm damaged 60 per cent apple crop in Maroag-Kharheen, Tilu-Garshala, Shilguri, Balson in Chopal and Khani-Khanag in Anni. “The storm hit the area twice. The chances of a good apple crop are bleak now,” said Sachin Chauhan and Akshay Bragta, orchardists from Maroag, a major apple belt in Chopal. About 60 per cent to 20 per cent crop has been damaged in Maroag, Gorli, Ghareen, Khichna and other villages. The apple orchards in upper Maroag, where the Forest Department has launched an eviction drive, were in full bloom and the hailstorm has shattered the farmers. Dewat-Shantha-Shilikian panchayats also witnessed a storm. “The damaged fruit is considered a second grade fruit and does not fetch even half the price,” the farmers said. The farmers in the Khani-Khanag apple belt had also suffered huge losses, said Onkar Shad, leader, Himachal Kisan Sabha. Some of the farmers, who have put anti-hail nets, managed to save the crop. The farmers in Pandli, Prem Nagar, Garoag, Kotkhai, Jubbal, Narkanda, Theog, Nankari, Chopal, Basantpur and Mashrobra blocks have suffered huge losses between April 1 and April 7. The Horticulture Department has pegged the damage at Rs 2.83 crore. The deputy director, Horticulture, said they had not ascertained the loss. “We have sought reports from the hailstorm affected areas,” he added. Source - tribuneindia.com