As the farmers prepared to harvest their crops, a natural disaster struck the southern Kashmir villages of Shopian and Kulgam districts, leaving them in a state of distress. A fierce storm with high winds, heavy rain, and hail battered the area recently for over fifteen minutes. This calamity resulted in substantial property damage and severe crop destruction. While some accidents occurred, a few of them being serious, the overall safety of the residents was maintained as they sought refuge in shelters.
At 3:00 PM, the sky was quickly overtaken by dark clouds, prompting unease among those who witnessed the scene. Initially, observers mistook the phenomenon for passing showers, but they soon realized it was something far more severe. The hailstorm that followed was unlike anything seen before, with hailstones that were not only unusually large but also irregularly shaped, resembling sharp rocks rather than the typical round ice pellets. In some areas, the heavy accumulation of hail left fields blanketed in several inches of ice, transforming the green landscape into a stark white expanse.
Once the gusty winds subsided and people emerged from their homes, they were met with scenes of widespread destruction. Trees had been uprooted, and almost 30% produce lay strewn across the ground. Overwhelmed with grief, they stood in silence, their eyes filled with tears, unable to process the destruction before them. The contrast between the flourishing orchards they had anticipated and the reality before them was beyond comprehension. Not only had their crops been washed away by rainwater, but the trees themselves had been severely damaged and uprooted.
Horticulture is a vital pillar of Kashmir’s economy, contributing significantly to the UT’s GDP. The government must prioritize securing the livelihoods of farmers who rely exclusively on apple cultivation. To protect their efforts, the approval of a crop insurance scheme and subsidies for hail nets and other protective measures are essential. In the short term, the administration should urgently waive the KCC loans of affected orchardists to offer them immediate financial support.
When disasters hit and cause widespread damage, government officials often visit the affected areas to assess the situation, make promises, and then leave. These visits often seem more like publicity stunts than genuine efforts to address the needs of those affected. The relief provided to farmers, who are often the most affected, is usually minimal and insufficient. Despite being the backbone of society, the concerns of farmers are frequently overlooked.
This time, we observe more politicians than government officials visiting the affected areas. With elections approaching, they are now attempting to incorporate farmers’ security into their manifestos, prompted by this disaster. Over the course of two days, we hear about such policies being announced at election rallies. However, the reality is that fruit growers have long demanded the introduction of a Crop Insurance Scheme.
Kashmir has a history of natural disasters occurring at crucial times, such as when apple buds begin to blossom or at the onset of the harvest season. Historical accounts describe crop failures during these periods that often resulted in famines with severe consequences. These calamities can strike specific areas or sometimes the entire region. Recently, while one severe event occurred, a mild hailstorm hit parts of Shopian a month earlier. Although it is difficult to control strong winds, the government can help prevent frequent hailstorm damage by providing subsidized hail nets to every farmer. Without such protection, hail-damaged fruit often becomes unsellable.
Apple cultivation has become increasingly expensive. Farmers invest a full year tending to their orchards—engaging in tilling, fertilizing, spraying, watering, and weeding—in hopes of a successful harvest. They invest their time and resources with the hope of a bountiful harvest. When disasters occur, these efforts can be severely compromised, leading some farmers to experience severe emotional distress and even contemplate suicide. The entire livelihood of farmers hinges on crop production, which shapes their annual planning. Sudden catastrophes disrupt their plans, leaving them struggling to make ends meet.
(Author has done M.Phil in History from Punjabi University Patiala and has qualified for the JKSET and is a freelance writer, contributing guest articles to various newspapers and magazines. He has also co-authored several anthologies, including The Fear in Me, Thought for Food, Dear Diary, and Image Perception. He is also an active blogger, regularly contributing to various blogging platforms. Feedback: [email protected])
