PULWAMA: In the pre-dawn hours, a heavy hailstorm swept through several villages of Tral in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, damaging orchards and standing crops and triggering fresh anxiety among farmers already dependent on a delicate agricultural season.
The hailstorm struck Nagbal, Zaradihar, Machama, Chankitaar, Mandoora, Panner Jageer and adjoining areas, pelting orchards and vegetable fields with intense hail.
Local residents said the storm struck during pre-dawn hours and lasted long enough to leave visible damage across agricultural belts.
Apple blossoms, regarded as the foundation of the coming fruit season and a principal source of livelihood for thousands of farming families, were among the worst affected.
Farmers said the hail badly damaged blossoms and tender fruit-bearing growth in orchards, raising fears of reduced yield and financial losses later in the season.
Vegetable fields also suffered damage as hail and strong weather conditions battered standing crops.
Several affected growers expressed concern over the extent of losses and called for immediate assessment by the horticulture and revenue departments.
People in the affected villages said weather-related crop damage has become a recurring challenge, increasing uncertainty for farming households dependent on horticulture and seasonal produce.
The extent of damage was being assessed, with affected growers hoping for official intervention and relief measures. [KNT]
