SRINAGAR: Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar said on Monday that a sudden hailstorm that lashed several parts of Kashmir on Sunday evening has caused extensive damage to orchards and standing crops.
Describing it as a “very sad” and intense weather event, Minister Dar said the hailstorm wreaked havoc in Lolab, Handwara, Baramulla, Tangmarg, Patan, Sangrama, Rafiabad, Bandipora, parts of Zaingeer, and the upper reaches of Zachildara.
“There is little we can do to prevent such natural weather events,” Dar said.
He said the government is moving ahead with a weather-based crop insurance scheme, with the bidding process set to begin soon. “All formalities are expected to be completed within a month. Farmers and growers will benefit significantly once it is implemented,” the minister added.
Minister Dar also said the government has taken up with the Centre the implementation of a marketing intervention scheme, with formalities currently underway.
“The assessment will enable relief assistance to be provided under SDRF norms,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Directorate of Horticulture and Agriculture has issued a circular directing all district and block-level officers to visit the affected areas, assess the damage, and submit reports to the government and deputy commissioners. (KNS)
