Waheed Parra concerned over losses due to hailstorm

Srinagar, Sep 03: PDP Youth President and party candidate for Pulwama assembly constituency, Waheed- Ur- Rehman Parra on Tuesday expressed deep concern over the losses suffered by apple growers due to hailstorm in Pulwama district and other areas.

In a statement, he said that the sudden and heavy hailstorm that swept through dozens of villages across Pulwama and other districts had left a trail of devastation, severely damaging orchards and various other standing crops. “This is a severe blow to the livelihoods of thousands of families who rely on farming as their primary source of income,” the PDP leader said.

He urged the government to provide immediate relief to the affected farmers, including compensation for their losses, swift disbursement of financial aid, and assistance in repairing damaged orchards and fields. Parra also called for the immediate implementation of crop insurance schemes and subsidies for hail nets to prevent such losses in the future.

He emphasised that the government must ensure farmers are equipped with the necessary tools and support to protect their crops from unpredictable weather patterns.

He asserted that the PDP is committed to standing with farmers during these challenging times. "We will continue to advocate for policies that secure their livelihoods and ensure that their hard work does not go in vain. Our priority is to provide relief, resilience, and resources to the backbone of our economy – our farming community," the PDP leader said.

Parra added that he will prioritise the implementation of comprehensive crop insurance and subsidies for hail nets to safeguard their livelihoods. He further added that the apple industry is a vital source of income for thousands of families in Jammu and Kashmir, and protecting this sector is essential for the region's economic stability and the well-being of its people.