Kupwara farmers watch dreams wash away in hail, rain

Kupwara, Apr 19: A hailstorm coupled with heavy rainfall Saturday afternoon hit several villages of north Kashmir's Kupwara district, causing widespread damage to orchards and other crops.

The hailstorm and heavy rainfall caused damage in areas including Drugmulla, Main Town Handwara, and several villages of Mawer area including Nowgam, Kutlari, Lawoosa, Yahama, Sanzipora, Check Sanzipora, and Khudi, leaving farmers shattered.

“A hailstorm coupled with heavy rainfall started in the afternoon and lasted for almost 5 minutes, causing huge loss to orchards including apple, almond, walnut, and cherry besides substantially damaging standing crops, vegetables, and paddy saplings,” said Aadil Akbar, a local from Handwara.

Locals said that they were anticipating a good crop this year but their hopes were dashed because of the hailstorm.

They urged the authorities to chart out a strategy for farmers and accordingly devise some relief plan to compensate the affected farmers.