The Biz Reporter
Srinagar, Apr 19: Kashmir Valley is reeling from a catastrophic series of storms that ravaged its vital fruit industry on the evening of April 18, 2025. A severe hailstorm, accompanied by intense lightning and ferocious winds, blanketed orchards across districts such as Shopian, Kulgam, Bandipora, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Budgam, and Pulwama in a thick layer of ice, leading to extensive and, many claim, irreparable damage.
The storms have obliterated a significant portion of the region’s apple and walnut orchards, which are crucial to the local economy. The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union has been vocal about the devastating financial impact the storms have had on farmers, particularly highlighting the plight of marginal growers. Many of these individuals depend entirely on their orchards for their livelihoods, and the absence of a crop insurance scheme has exacerbated their struggles.
Union representatives have expressed deep frustration, stating that despite ongoing appeals to the government for support, no effective measures have yet been implemented. The need for a crop insurance policy tailored to the horticulture sector of Jammu and Kashmir has become even more urgent in light of this recent disaster.
“This disaster has shattered our hopes. Our livelihoods are in jeopardy as we face enormous losses without any support system in place,” lamented a union representative, emphasizing that nearly 90% of growers in the valley fall under the marginal category, rendering them particularly vulnerable to financial ruin.
The repercussions of the recent storms extend beyond individual growers; the downturn in the horticulture sector poses a broader economic threat to the region. The fruit industry not only provides employment to thousands but also supports associated businesses involved in transportation and processing.
In a bid to draw attention to their plight, the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union has publicly appealed to Chief Minister Omer Abdullah, urging immediate action to implement a crop insurance scheme that would provide relief during natural disasters. They are also calling for assessments of the damage by agricultural officials and a comprehensive compensation package for affected orchard owners.
As the valley begins to assess the damages and address the immediate needs of its farming community, the urgency for government intervention is critically evident. The future of Kashmir’s horticultural sector, along with the livelihoods of countless families, hangs in the balance as they look to recover from this devastating storm.
