Arif Rashid
Srinagar, May 14: Farmers from Lalpora village in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district have appealed to the government for immediate compensation and waiver of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans after a severe hailstorm damaged apple orchards and vegetable gardens in the area on Tuesday.
The affected farmers said the hailstorm caused extensive damage to apple trees and seasonal crops, leaving many families worried about their livelihood as horticulture and agriculture remain the primary sources of income in the village.
Muhammad Sultan Bhat, one of the affected farmers, said the hailstorm devastated orchards and vegetable fields despite farmers investing heavily in insecticides, fungicides, vermi-compost, and organic fertilizers to protect and improve crop production.
“We had spent huge amounts on maintaining orchards and ensuring better yield this season. However, the hailstorm has destroyed our crops and left us helpless,” Bhat said.
He said many families in Lalpora are entirely dependent on apple cultivation and farming for survival, adding that the losses have also triggered stress and anxiety among growers.
“Several farmers had taken KCC loans from Jammu and Kashmir Bank with the hope of repaying them after the harvest season. But now, after the destruction of crops, they have lost that opportunity as well,” he added.
Another farmer, Abdul Hamid, said his family solely depends on income generated from apple orchards and kitchen gardens, both of which have suffered massive damage.
“Our orchards and vegetable gardens have been completely damaged by the hailstorm. We have no alternative source of income left,” Hamid said.
The farmers urged the government to conduct an immediate assessment of the damage and provide adequate compensation to the affected growers. They also demanded waiver of KCC loans for farmers whose orchards and crops were destroyed in the hailstorm.