Raja Zaid
Shopian, May 30: Apple growers in south Kashmir’s Shopian district suffered another setback on Saturday evening after a fresh hailstorm, accompanied by strong winds, damaged orchards across several areas, raising fears of substantial crop losses.
The latest weather event marks the third spell of adverse weather to hit the district within a week, leaving orchardists worried about the impact on this year’s apple harvest.
According to residents, the weather changed abruptly around 6:15 pm. What began as light rainfall soon intensified into strong winds and heavy hail that lasted for nearly 10 minutes.
Areas including Keegam, Meemandar, Reshnagri, Zawoora, Gagren, Sindu Shirmal, Daramdoora, Largam, Jamnagri, Chek Saidpora and parts of Shopian town were among the worst affected. Hailstones blanketed orchards and agricultural fields, while waterlogging was reported in several low-lying localities.
Growers said the repeated hailstorms have caused extensive damage to apple orchards, the primary source of livelihood for thousands of families in the district.
“We have suffered huge losses. This spell alone has damaged a large portion of our crop, and when combined with the earlier storms, the losses are even greater,” said an orchard owner.
Residents from Zawoora said the intense hailstorm dislodged young apples from trees, while growers in Reshnagri and adjoining areas reported broken branches and widespread orchard damage due to strong winds and hail.
Following the weather event, the Horticulture Department advised farmers to drain stagnant water from orchards to prevent root damage. The department also urged growers to spray recommended fungicides within 24 to 48 hours, warning that hail-inflicted injuries could leave trees vulnerable to diseases such as apple scab.
Meanwhile, growers and local agricultural groups have appealed to the administration to conduct an immediate assessment of the damage and provide compensation to affected farmers. They have also sought urgent relief measures to help orchardists recover from the repeated weather-related losses.