Srinagar, June 13: Senior vice president of J&K People’s Conference and former minister Abdul Gani Vakil on Tuesday expressed “deep concern” over the extensive damage caused to apple orchards and vegetable crops due to a severe hailstorm in the upper belt of Rafiabad.
He said the hailstorm has wreaked havoc, completely destroying apple orchards and vegetable crops, resulting in significant losses for the farmers and fruit growers in the area.
During his visit to the affected areas, including Balhama, Braman, Kutru Naribal, Brandub, Kahamu, Panzala, and Shutulu, Vakil expressed his sympathies to the affected people and called for a special economic package to support the fruit growers and farmers who have already suffered heavy losses over the past five years.
He emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive compensation to be provided to the orchardists and farmers who have suffered extensive losses due to the hailstorm. He pointed out that although surveys are conducted and compensation is promised whenever natural disasters damage crops and fruits, the affected farmers rarely receive any relief.
The PC leader urged the government to promptly assess the damages incurred by fruit and vegetable crops and swiftly disburse financial assistance to the affected families, considering the losses they have already endured. He emphasized that waiving the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans and providing free rations to the affected people are crucial steps needed to revive the ailing horticulture sector during this critical time.
