The Kashmir Dialogues
Shopian, Apr 21(TKD):In yet another blow to South Kashmir’s agrarian community, an intense hailstorm struck several areas of Shopian district on Monday evening, damaging blooming apple orchards and standing crops, and sparking fresh concerns among local farmers.
According to reports, villages including Keller, Sedow, and their adjoining areas witnessed heavy hail, severely affecting the delicate apple blossoms at a critical stage of growth. This marks the second major hailstorm in the region in recent days.
The latest storm came just hours after the Meteorological Department issued an advisory warning of scattered rain, thundershowers, gusty winds, and hailstorms on April 21.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the MET Centre Srinagar, had earlier cautioned of a spell of light to moderate rain and hailstorms in many parts of South Kashmir, advising residents to stay indoors and avoid landslide-prone areas during the alert period.
Farmers have now urged the district administration to conduct a thorough assessment of the crop damage and provide immediate compensation to those affected. Many fear that continued weather disturbances could severely impact this year’s fruit yield.
Looking ahead, the MET department predicts generally dry weather across Jammu and Kashmir from April 22 to 30, with the exception of brief thundershowers and possible hailstorms on April 24 and 25.
