Srinagar, May 27 (KNO): Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers cum Dealers Union (KVFGDU) Monday said that the heavy hailstorm and storming winds with rain severely hit several parts of Rafiabad area in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Sunday, wreaking havoc in apple orchards of several villages. According to a statement issued to KNO, the affected areas which hit by strong hailstorm are the areas of Watergam, Dangiwacha and Zainageer area of Sopore.
Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers cum Dealers Union said the Apple orchards which are in early stage have suffered massive damages causing heavy losses to fruit Growers of the affected areas.
“High intensity hailstorm stormy winds and strong rains have destroyed almost entire Apple crop in atleast around a dozen villages of these affected areas with the result the Apple Crop are devastated with the apprehension of losses of Crores of rupees,” he said.
Bashir Ahmad Basheer, Chairman Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union, Srinagar urged the SKAUST, Srinagar and Director Horticulture Development Kashmir and Director Horticulture P&M to depute the concern staff immediately to all affected areas of District Baramulla for the purpose of asserting losses suffered due to acute hailstorm and awakening the Fruit Growers about necessary remedial to be adopted in order to avoid any damages/ diseases in the Apple orchards.
Governor and the Advisor Incharge Horticulture is also requested for consideration of grant of compensation of losses suffered in several villages of District Baramulla due to heavy hailstorm, stormy winds and rains which inflicted measure damages of Fruit orchards of Baramulla district. (KNO)