𝐇𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐖𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐬 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐜 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐎𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬

Shopian, June 03: The Department of Horticulture has started evaluating the extent of damage caused by a recent hailstorm that severely affected fruit orchards in 12 villages of South Kashmir’s Shopian district.

According to officials, the hailstorm struck on Monday, impacting the villages of Wadipora, Reshipora, Drawni, Wuyan, Bandpawa, Handew, Nagbal, Dhobipora, Dachew, Warpora, Gundi Darwesh, and Hushanpora. These areas fall within the Chitragam and Imamsahib tehsils of the Zainapora subdivision.

The hailstorm varied in duration across locations — from 15 to 35 minutes — with Wadipora, Reshipora, and Drawni being the hardest hit. In Nagbal, Bandpawa, and Wuyan, the storm lasted 20 to 30 minutes, while other areas experienced 15 to 20 minutes of hail.

Initial assessments indicate that damage ranges from 45% to 90%. Field teams are currently conducting detailed surveys, and an advisory has been issued to guide orchardists on post-storm crop management.

The storm caused major losses to cherry growers, as the crop was at the harvesting stage. Apple growers also reported significant damage, with many apples cracked by the hailstones. Farmers expressed concern that the damaged fruit may quickly begin to rot.

Shopian has been hit by several hailstorms in recent months. A particularly intense storm on April 29 affected nearly 58 villages, causing widespread destruction to fruit-bearing trees.

Growers have once again appealed for the inclusion of apples under the crop insurance scheme. They stressed that such coverage is crucial for protecting their livelihoods against recurring natural disasters.