Hailstorm and damage to crops

The hailstorm has once again wreaked havoc at multiple places in Kashmir as the farmers have lamented that most of their crops have got damaged this year, causing huge losses to them. Ahead of the inclement weather conditions, the local Meteorological department (MeT) issued warning to the orchardists multiple times so far, advising them to stay away or continue with the farm activities like spraying and other things. However, as several places in northern and southern districts of Kashmir witnessed heavy hailstorm, the farmers have stated that they have suffered huge losses due to it. In this regard, the administration in the respective districts should begin a process to assess the loss due to hailstorm so the farmers will get some assistance from the government. Moreover, there is a need to take some experts along, who would guide the farmers with regard to lessening their losses due to the hailstorm and other natural calamities. Agriculture is considered as the backbone of J&K’s economy and the incumbent government has already taken a series of measures to ensure better facilities and assistance to the orchardists. However, the lack of awareness among the farmers is usually taking a toll on their orchards due to the incidents of hailstorm or other related things. In this regard, the government should constitute committees in every district to create awareness among the farmers and make them ready to tackle any such situation in the future in an easy manner.