Srinagar: Massive hailstorms hit parts of north and south Kashmir on Monday afternoon damaging orchards and other standing crops.
Reports coming in from Tangmarg, Pattan, Baramulla, Mawar, Handwara in north Kashmir and Kulgam in south Kashmir suggest that following the rains, the areas were hit with massive hailstorms.
The hails hit the orchards hard and damaged the crops. The areas turned white as the ice balls accumulated on the ground.
The storm has left the orchadists perplexed as they fear that it would have serious impact on the production of fruit, particularly cherry, almonds and apricot.
“Even apple production is going to have a hit due to the hail storm,” said an orchadist.
Director General Horticulture, Aijaz Ahmad Bhat, while confirming the damages, tweeted: “Heavy damages to orchards by hailstorm in Mawar, Handwara, Tangmarg, Pattan, Baramulla & Kulgam.”
Meanwhile, Horticulture Department has advised the orchadists to go for fresh spray of trees following the hailstorm.
“The orchards affected by Today’s Hailstorm in different districts in Kmr valley May immediately spray following fungicide (per 100 litre of water).
“Zineb 68%+ Hexaconazole 4% 72wp (100g) or Mancozeb or/Matiram & urea 200g per 100 litre water,” Tweeted Director General Horticulture, Aijaz Ahmad Bhat.
