Baramulla: Amid rains and thunderstorm, heavy hailstorm hit north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Wednesday afternoon inflicting large-scale damage to fruit industry by hammering down blossoming apple orchards, vegetable fields and other fruit trees.
“The hailstorm continued for about 5 to 10 minutes in many areas leaving a layer of white icy stones on the ground. Blossoming fruit orchards and vegetables suffered extensive damage due to the storm,” said Showkat Ahmed, an orchardist.
The worst hit areas include Baramulla, Hajibal, Rafiabad, Kahipora, Magam, Kanispora, Sangrama, Watergam, Dangiwacha, Ladoora, Mazbugh, Hadipora, Tangmarg, Wagoora, Kreeri, Sheeri, Sopore, Rohama and Pattan.
“We have been already pushed to wall due to dry weather spell and now the hailstorm has come as yet another disaster,” said Ghulam Rasool another farmer.
The fruit industry is the main stay of economy in north Kashmir.
Orchardists said that the storm knocked down blossoming buds of apple, pear and cherry on the ground besides damaged vegetable and other crops.
