Srinagar
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference on Wednesday expressed concern over the heavy losses incurred by farmers, orchardists in Kulgam District following a heavy hailstorm.
Expressing concern over the losses incurred by orchardists in Pariwan, Gadihama, Chancer, Chawalgam, Sehpura and surrounding areas of District Kulgam, Party’s Spokesperson and in charge Kulgam constituency Imran Nabi Dar said the heavy hailstorm has raised the concern of orchardists about the decline in the annual yield due to the damage to fruit-bearing and vegetative parts of trees.
“The orchardists are already in the throes of crises on the account of the tumultuous situation since August last year and the massive damage to trees during last year’s heavy snowfall in November. The hopes, the orchardists had pinned on this year’s produce also stand dampened due to the massive damage incurred by the trees following the heavy hail, leaving them in distress.”
He further added, “After last year’s untimely snowfall, many apple trees got uprooted thereby dealing a severe blow to the horticulture industry across the valley including Kulgam. What was more distressing afterwards was the apathy shown by government while compensating the affected farmers.”
Demanding a comprehensive safety package for their produce, Imran said, “Orchardists in Kulgam and other areas have been facing the brunt of erratic weather and other factors over the years. It’s time that the government comes up with a proper mitigation plan to ensure that the losses suffered by them are adequately compensated with. To begin with, JK administration must implement a comprehensive insurance plan to safeguard the investment of Orchardists. It will go a along way in ensuring protection of horticulture industry from weather vagaries and other issues.”
