Over 1,400 hectares of fruit crops damaged in Kashmir weather events

In Kashmir (India), recent floods and hailstorms have caused major damage to fruit crops, affecting around 1,435.6 hectares of orchards across several districts, the government confirmed last week.

Flood-related damage was reported in Pulwama, Anantnag, and Kulgam, where 846.2 hectares of orchards were impacted. Pulwama recorded the largest loss with about 202 hectares affected, followed by 46 hectares in Anantnag and 8 hectares in Kulgam.

Compensation is provided only if a farmer’s losses exceed 33%, as per disaster relief rules. So far, 98 families each in Anantnag and Kulgam, and one family in Pulwama, have qualified for support. A total of ₹8.08 lakh (≈ USD $9,730) has been processed for these affected households.

Meanwhile, hailstorms in Shopian earlier this year damaged orchards across 589.4 hectares, leading to estimated losses of ₹51.43 lakh (≈ USD $62,000). Out of this, ₹47.28 lakh (≈ USD $57,000) has already been disbursed to 2,036 families, and the remaining ₹4.15 lakh (≈ USD $5,000) is currently being processed.

Officials said assessments are ongoing, and further support will be released according to the State and National Disaster Response Fund guidelines.

source: greaterkashmir.com

photo: dw.com