Shopian Farmers Hit by Hailstorm, Cry for Insurance Safety Net

Shopian, June 9: In the aftermath of a devastating hailstorm that battered south Kashmir’s Shopian district on June 2, fruit growers are pressing the government for a long-awaited crop insurance scheme, saying compensation alone won’t safeguard them from repeated climate shocks.

The storm ripped through at least a dozen villages in the region’s famed apple belt, leaving orchards in ruins. According to officials, apple crops in Wadipoora and Alshipora suffered losses of up to 90%, while cherry production was completely wiped out.

While the Horticulture Department has begun assessing damage for compensation, farmers say the pattern of relief after every disaster is unsustainable.

“A few hundred rupees in compensation can’t offset losses running into lakhs,” said Peerzada Shabir Ahmad, president of the Pesticides Association. “Only a comprehensive crop insurance scheme can offer real protection.”

Ahmad warned that without such a safety net, even minor farmers risk financial ruin after every hailstorm.

On June 3, Agriculture Production Minister Javid Ahmad Dar visited the affected villages and asked officials to expedite damage reports. However, no announcement was made about implementing crop insurance.

“He assured us he would raise the issue in an official meeting, but we’ve heard nothing since,” said a group of farmers.

Mohammad Ashraf Wani, president of Fruit Mandi Shopian, said a meeting with officials at the Mini Secretariat confirmed that Rs 2 crore had been released for compensation. “The funds will be disbursed after the damage assessment is complete,” Wani said.

With fruit farming forming the backbone of Shopian’s rural economy, growers fear that climate extremes, rising costs, and policy gaps could soon push small farmers into debt — or out of farming altogether.