Conduct immediate survey of hailstorm-hit crop, compensate farmers in south Kashmir: JKCSF urges LG admin

Srinagar, Sep 08: The Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF) on Sunday demanded an immediate survey of the intense damage caused to the fruit, rice, and vegetable crop after an intense hailstorm and gusty winds ripped the fields in  south Kashmir on Monday (2 Sept).

In a statement, the JKCSF said that its chairman, Abdul Qayoom Wani has raised the issue with the LG administration, calling for an immediate survey of the affected areas, especially in the districts of Kulgam and Shopian.

"The hailstorms and gusty winds proved a bolt from blue for the orchardists and farmers of Shopian and Kulgam districts as the ripened crops got damaged and the hopes of fruit growers were dashed to ground. These growers need immediate survey of the damage followed by the proper compensation so that they can survive the losses," the statement said.

The population in rural kashmir is mostly dependent on agriculture and horticulture for livelihood and when ripe crops get damaged, the farmers not only suffer financial losses but face mental depression as well, the statement said.

The forum has appealed the govt to compensate the affected growers and others associated with the business so that their families may not face starvation.