The Biz Reporter
Srinagar, Aug 8: In a devastating turn of events, a severe hailstorm swept through various parts of District Shopian in Kashmir Valley on August 7th, 2024, causing significant losses to the thriving fruit industry. According to reports, the hailstorm has damaged 50% to 70% of the apple crop in the affected areas.
The fruit growers, who are the backbone of Kashmir’s economy, are now grappling with the aftermath of this natural disaster. Orchard owners in the district have suffered immense losses, with their hopes for a successful harvest dashed by the untimely hailstorm.
The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers cum Dealers Union, the elected umbrella body representing all fruit growers’ associations in the valley, has been consistently appealing to the government to implement a comprehensive Crop Insurance Scheme. Despite the government’s announcements, this crucial safety net for the horticulture sector has yet to be realized.
In the wake of this calamity, the union is now urging the Lt. Governor’s administration to take immediate action. Their key demands include:
- Immediate implementation of the Crop Insurance/Market Intervention Scheme to safeguard the interests of fruit growers and dealers.
- Deployment of experts from the Agriculture University (SKAUST) Shalimar and the Department of Horticulture Development Kashmir and Horticulture (P&M) to the affected areas of District Shopian for a comprehensive assessment of the damage to fruit orchards.
- Consideration for granting sufficient compensation to the fruit growers who have suffered losses due to the recent hailstorm.
The fruit industry in Kashmir is a significant pillar of the region’s economy, and the union’s plea for immediate government intervention is a call to action to mitigate the devastating impact of this natural disaster. The hope is that the government will heed their legitimate demands and take practical steps to protect this crucial sector from further damages.
