Compensate hailstorm affected farmers: Hakeem Yaseen

Srinagar, Apr 28: Chairman Peoples Democratic Front ( PDF) and former Minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen has expressed sorrow over the devastation caused in orchards at Hariwanin , Waterhail and other Kandi areas of Khansahib and Budgam this afternoon due to massive hailstorm.

In a statement, he said hailstorm has damaged fruit crop, leaving farmers in severe distress and affecting their livelihood.Yaseen while expressing sorrow over clossal losses caused to crops due to massive hailstorm in kandi areas of Khansahib and Waterhail has urged the government to sanction ex-gratia relief for the affected farmers comprising free ration, fertilisers and fungicides. He has also demanded to waive off kissan credit loans of the affected farmers adding that they would be not able to repay their agriculture loans.

PDF Chairman has urged the district administration to send joint teams of horticulture, agriculture and revenue officers to the affected areas for assessing the quantum of losses due to hailstorm so that a comprehensive case for compensation could be formulated as per the ground report. He said weather vagaries in Kashmir has played spoil spot with the prospects of agriculture production this year adding that government shall have to come forward for the rescue of the affected farmers.