SRINAGAR: A sudden hailstorm accompanied by heavy rainfall damaged standing paddy crops in several parts of Ganderbal district between Friday night and Saturday, while a severe hailstorm also struck villages in and around Kunzer and Tangmarg in north Kashmir overnight.
According to local farmers, paddy fields in Malikpora, Pati Devpora, Gogjigund, Kurag and Sehpora were affected in Ganderbal district. They said the crop was nearing maturity when the hail and heavy rainfall struck.
The farmers said the damage had raised concerns over potential financial losses after considerable labour and resources had been invested in cultivating the crop.
They urged the district administration and Agriculture Department to conduct an immediate field assessment to ascertain the extent of the damage and prepare a detailed report.
The affected farmers also sought timely compensation and relief under applicable government schemes and crop insurance provisions, saying financial assistance would help affected families recover from their losses.
