Baramulla: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department Javid Ahmad Dar on Saturday visited hailstorm-affected areas of Rafiabad in Baramulla district to assess damage caused to crops and orchards due to recent inclement weather.
During the visit, the Minister conducted on-the-spot inspections of affected agricultural fields and orchards where standing crops and fruit-bearing plants suffered extensive damage following the recent hailstorm.
He interacted with farmers, orchardists and local residents, who apprised him of the losses incurred and sought immediate government intervention.
Expressing concern over the hardships faced by the farming community, Javid Dar assured affected families that the government remains committed to supporting them during the difficult period.
“All genuine cases of crop and orchard damage will be thoroughly assessed and relief measures extended in accordance with government norms,” the Minister said.
He directed officers of the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments to immediately undertake a comprehensive field survey and submit a detailed assessment report to facilitate timely compensation and relief measures.
The Minister also instructed the concerned departments to intensify awareness campaigns regarding modern crop protection measures, disaster mitigation practices and government-sponsored schemes aimed at safeguarding agricultural produce from weather-related calamities.
He further stressed the need for ensuring maximum farmer coverage under crop insurance schemes.
Highlighting the growing vulnerability of the agriculture sector to extreme weather events, Javid Ahmad Dar emphasised the importance of strengthening crop protection infrastructure and improving disaster response mechanisms to minimise future losses.
Senior officers accompanying the Minister included Vikas Anand and officials from the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments.
