Srinagar, Aug 08 (KNO): A severe hailstorm on Wednesday evening caused significant damage to the apple orchards in south Kashmir's Shopian district.
Locals from various areas of Shopian told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the hailstorm caused damage to the fruit on which thousands of families in the area are dependent.
The hailstorm-hit villages include Kanjiullar, Adijan, Poshama, Feeripora and other areas of the district as it continued for around 25 minutes due to which there was significant damage to the fruit.
They urged the government to assess the damage and compensate the affected growers.
On Thursday morning, the Horticulture Department officials visited these villages to assess the damage and guide the growers.
A horticulture officer said that several teams of the department are on the ground to ascertain the severity of the damage.
Director Horticulture Kashmir, Zahoor Ahmad told KNO that he visited the spot and there has been damage to many apple orchards.
"These areas have suffered around 60 percent damage, and after proper assessment, the list of the farmers will be forwarded to higher-ups for compensation.
The Director said that growers must follow the advisory of the department to minimise the possibility of damage to the crop—(KNO)