SRINAGAR: A hailstorm followed by heavy rain hit several areas of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Friday evening, causing damage to apple orchards and paddy fields during the harvesting season.
The storm struck at around 5 pm and continued for more than eight minutes across Rafiabad, Zaingeer, Sopore and adjoining areas.
Villages including Saripara, Chijhama, Laiser, Dulgund, Behrampora, Shangergund, Chatloora, Watergam, Saidpora, Dangerpora and nearby localities were among the affected areas. Reports of crop damage were also received from parts of Sopore.
“It is harvesting season for apples. Although nearly 50 per cent of the crop had already been plucked, the remaining fruit on the trees has been severely damaged,” said Mohammad Ashraf, an orchardist from Laiser in Rafiabad.
Farmers said harvested apples lying in orchards were also damaged due to the hailstorm and rain.
Paddy cultivators also reported losses after harvested paddy lying in the fields was affected by the hailstorm.
“The harvested paddy lying in the fields was battered by the hailstorm, causing heavy losses,” local farmers said.
The hailstorm was followed by strong winds and heavy rainfall, increasing concerns among farmers over the extent of damage caused to crops and orchards. (JKNS)
