Urgent support needed

The recent hailstorm that wreaked havoc in several areas of south Kashmir’s Kulgam and Shopian districts has left a trail of devastation in their wake. For the countless fruit growers and orchard owners, who rely on this season’s produce as their primary source of livelihood, the unseasonal weather has once again dealt a harsh and heartbreaking blow. Orchards that were once brimming with hope and expectation are now strewn with shredded leaves, battered branches, and damaged fruit. The extent of the damage is not merely agricultural — it is economic, emotional, and deeply personal. In these areas, horticulture is not just a profession but a tradition and a way of life. The loss of a season’s produce can mean a year of debt, despair, and struggle. It is imperative that the government act swiftly and empathetically. First, a comprehensive and transparent assessment of the damage must be conducted by relevant departments, with inputs from local farmers and panchayat bodies. Secondly, adequate and timely compensation must follow. Financial aid should be disbursed directly to the affected growers, with a simplified application process and minimal red tape. In addition to immediate compensation, the government should consider long-term measures such as subsidized crop insurance, awareness campaigns on climate-resilient farming practices, and enhanced infrastructure to mitigate future risks. The people of Kulgam and Shopian have shown resilience time and again, but resilience must not be mistaken for invulnerability. As climate patterns become increasingly erratic, this won’t be the last hailstorm to hit our growers—but we can and must ensure that its aftermath is not one of abandonment. The fruit of their labor deserves more than just sympathy. It deserves action.